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HOUSE 3694117th CongressReferred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative and other heads of Federal agencies, to submit to Congress a report on the impact of a waiver of certain obligations of member nations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights on global COVID-19 vaccine access, and for other purposes.

Last Action
6/4/2021

Actions

  • 2021-06-04Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • 2021-06-04Introduced in House
  • 2021-06-04Introduced in House

CRS Summary

As of 2021-06-04 (00)

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to submit a report analyzing the impact on global COVID-19 vaccine access of a waiver of certain obligations held by nations who are members of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. (India and South Africa previously submitted a petition to suspend all intellectual property rights associated with COVID-19 innovations, such as vaccines.)

Based on this report, the U.S. Trade Representative must oppose such elimination or waiver with respect to COVID-19 vaccines if HHS determines that the elimination or waiver will not materially increase global vaccine access or that it will have a negative impact on specified factors relating to access to, manufacture of, and investment in COVID-19 vaccines.

Subjects

  • Cardiovascular and respiratory health
  • Congressional oversight
  • Emergency medical services and trauma care
  • Government information and archives
  • Health care coverage and access
  • Health technology, devices, supplies
  • Immunology and vaccination
  • Infectious and parasitic diseases
  • Intellectual property
  • Manufacturing
  • Product development and innovation
  • Research and development
  • Trade agreements and negotiations
  • World health
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

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