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
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.