Bill Overview
Title: A bill to limit the authority of the World Health Organization on the United States and to oppose amendments to the WHO Constitution that have not been approved by Congress.
Description: This bill requires U.S. representatives to the World Health Organization (WHO) to oppose any agreements between WHO member countries, including any amendments to the WHO's constitution, unless Congress has enacted a joint resolution in support of the agreement or amendment.
Sponsors: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People influenced by WHO-coordinated health initiatives
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The WHO has 194 member states that coordinate on public health efforts, so any changes to U.S. participation can influence global public health collaboration.
- Many global health programs, such as vaccination efforts or disease outbreak responses, are coordinated through WHO, affecting millions globally.
- The bill could impact WHO's operations and ability to execute international health initiatives if it restricts U.S. support or participation.
Reasoning
- The WHO interacts with American public health efforts by facilitating coordinated responses to global health threats, influencing how well the U.S. can manage such crises.
- Although many Americans may not directly think about the WHO's impact, it affects public health measures, potentially altering individuals' wellbeing indirectly through policy changes.
- The financial limitations of this budget require careful consideration of which public health initiatives can be prioritized, potentially delaying responses to global health emergencies.
Simulated Interviews
public health researcher (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might restrict the U.S.'s ability to quickly respond to global infectious disease outbreaks.
- It could limit international collaboration essential for robust public health strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
software developer (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am not directly involved with WHO policies, so I don't think this will affect my day-to-day life.
- However, less coordination during a health crisis could mean slower responses in the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Limiting U.S. involvement with WHO could be short-sighted, especially if it affects vaccine programs.
- I am concerned about any impact on public health funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired teacher (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- At this age, my health is a priority, and I rely on public health systems.
- Any delay in health responses could jeopardize wellbeing, especially with age-related vulnerabilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 10 |
small business owner (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a business owner, I am more concerned with economic policies than WHO agreements.
- However, public health can directly impact business operation if not managed properly, as seen in the pandemic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
college student (Austin, TX)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Global health plays into environmental health, which is my area of interest.
- I think we should be collaboratively approaching these issues, not limiting agreements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 10 |
project manager (Portland, OR)
Age: 53 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- U.S. policy can significantly affect pharmaceutical supply chains, which are critical during health emergencies.
- Changes to WHO involvement could complicate international supplies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
freelance journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am skeptical about limiting involvement with the WHO given their role in international health crises.
- Such policies might reduce the trust and reliability on U.S. health responses from an international perspective.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
software engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am generally optimistic about technology's role in public health, regardless of WHO involvement.
- But global health policy changes could have ripple effects we're not foreseeing yet.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
retired postal worker (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who has seen the impacts of global health policies over decades, coordination is crucial.
- Unilateral decisions could mean slower progress on resolving healthcare challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $-250000000 (Low: $-400000000, High: $100000000)
Year 2: $-250000000 (Low: $-400000000, High: $100000000)
Year 3: $-250000000 (Low: $-400000000, High: $100000000)
Year 5: $-250000000 (Low: $-400000000, High: $100000000)
Year 10: $-250000000 (Low: $-400000000, High: $100000000)
Year 100: $-250000000 (Low: $-400000000, High: $100000000)
Key Considerations
- Global health collaboration between the U.S. and WHO may be affected, influencing public health outcomes.
- The U.S. withdrawal or reduced commitment to WHO projects could lead to gaps in global disease management initiatives.
- Potential for increased lobbying efforts and policymaking shifts within the U.S. health sector as they adjust to new roles.