HR401-119

What This Bill Does

This bill prohibits the United States government from providing any financial contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO). It would immediately cut off both assessed contributions (mandatory membership dues) and voluntary contributions (additional funding for specific programs) upon enactment.

Who Benefits and How

U.S. taxpayers would no longer fund WHO operations, which currently costs the United States approximately $100-200 million annually in assessed contributions plus additional voluntary contributions. Advocates of reduced international spending would see this as redirecting funds that could be used domestically.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The World Health Organization would lose one of its largest funding sources, potentially impacting global health programs including disease surveillance, outbreak response, and vaccination campaigns. Countries that rely on WHO assistance for public health infrastructure could face reduced support. U.S. pharmaceutical and healthcare companies with global operations could face challenges if WHO coordination on international health standards weakens.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits all U.S. assessed contributions to the WHO (mandatory membership dues)
• Prohibits all U.S. voluntary contributions to the WHO (discretionary program funding)
• Takes effect immediately upon enactment
• Overrides any other provision of law that might otherwise authorize such contributions