This article was originally published by 1819News
Dozens of Alabama lawmakers and political figures have signed onto an international letter demanding the World Health Organization halt or delay its planned vote on the so-called Pandemic Agreement.
The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a proposed treaty between the WHO’s 194 member states that purports to fill in the gaps in the COVID-19 pandemic response and help better combat future pandemics. Many Republicans in Congress have opposed the treaty. Opponents argue that the agreement will give the WHO unilateral authority to interfere in the public health affairs of sovereign nations like the U.S.
The international letter, led by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), calls on elected officials worldwide to demand that the WHO either cancel or delay the Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), due to the WHO’s failure to meet the four-month notification requirement of Article 55(2) of the IHR and other World Health Assembly rules.
The 2024 World Health Assembly will convene Monday, and the group will likely vote on the agreement afterward.
Thus far, the letter has garnered over 100 signatures from leaders and dignitaries across 26 countries.
The international issue gained the attention of Eagle Forum of Alabama (EFA), which successfully obtained the signatures of at least 40 Alabama lawmakers from both houses. EFA has been sounding the alarm statewide on the perceived dangers of the WHO and the Pandemic Agreement. As a member of the Sovereignty Coalition, EFA has worked to get Alabama’s leaders to resist the WHO’s efforts to expand its authority.
“Given the WHO’s appalling record, it is outrageous that the Biden administration is working to give the WHO and its Director-General more power over sovereign nations, including the United States,” an EFA statement read. “Yet, U.S. government officials are actively negotiating amendments to existing International Health Regulations and a new treaty governing future pandemics.”
Governor Kay Ivey added her signature to a separate joint letter from Republican Governors asking President Joe Biden to oppose the agreement.
Likewise, during the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers passed a joint resolution condemning the WHO as a “corrupt organization that has hampered worldwide public health efforts.” The resolution also called on federal lawmakers to oppose the Pandemic Agreement. EFA was also responsible for pushing the joint resolution.
State Auditor Andrew Sorrell was the only non-lawmaker to join the letter. Here is a complete list of Alabama legislators to sign their names to the letter:
State Reps. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs), Chip Brown (R-Hollingers Island), Ron Bolton (R-Northport), Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills), Danny Crawford (R-Athens), Tracy Estes (R-Winfield), Jennifer Fidler (R-Fairhope), Ben Harrison (R-Cartwright), Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena), Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road), Jamie Kiel (R-Russelville), Bill Lamb (R-Tuscaloosa), Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn), Craig Lipscomb (R-Gadsden), Parker Moore (R-Hartselle), Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), Phillip Pettus (R-Killen), Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville), Rick Rehm (R-Dothan), Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), Chris Sells (R-Greenville), Randall Shedd (R-Baileytown), Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg), Matt Simpson (R-Daphne), Jeff Sorrells (R-Hartford), Troy Stubbs (R-Wetumpka), Kerry Underwood (R-Tuscumbia), Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads), Debbie Wood (R-Valley), Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) and Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity).
Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth joined State Sens. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville), Lance Bell (R-Pell City), Tom Butler (R-Madison), Josh Carnley (R-Ino), Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva), Wes Kitchens (R-Arab), Tim Melson (R-Florence), Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville), Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia) and April Weaver (R-Brierfield).
