Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, I rise today to present an amendment that holds the key to accountability and transparency in the aftermath of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

The amendment I am proposing to the fiscal year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill targets a critical issue within the National Institutes of Health, NIH, Office of the Director. Specifically, it aims to reduce funding by $3,748,715. That is an amount equivalent to the grant awarded to EcoHealth Alliance, Incorporated, for their research on ``Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence'' at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overstated. Lives were lost, businesses shuttered, and families torn apart. It is a collective responsibility to address the origins of this crisis, and my proposed amendment aligns with three fundamental principles that I have consistently emphasized while being in Congress.

First, we must uncover the truth of the pandemic's origins. This shouldn't be a Republican or Democrat thing. This is an American thing. Second, we must hold those involved responsible and accountable. Last, we must provide the American people with full transparency.

After nearly 4 years of investigation, substantial evidence now points to the Wuhan Institute of Virology as the source of the COVID-19 virus. Disturbingly, it has come to light that the Wuhan lab conducted this research funded by the United States Government. While the Department of Health and Human Services has taken action against the institution, it is evident that more must be done.

The HHS Office of Inspector General released a report in January of this year, January of 2023, revealing that the NIH failed to effectively monitor or address EcoHealth's compliance with certain requirements. Shockingly, the NIH only began investigating the Wuhan Institute's role in the pandemic at the outset of the crisis. This lack of foresight is unacceptable, especially considering the potential consequences of such research.

Moreover, the investigation brought to light EcoHealth's delayed submission of a critical report containing evidence of a virus with enhanced growth, a report that should have been reported immediately. This is just one instance of the NIH's failure to exercise proper oversight.

In light of these findings, it is imperative that we hold the NIH accountable for its shortcomings. The American people deserve an assurance that our agencies are performing their duties diligently and responsibly, especially when the consequences are as far-reaching as the global pandemic was.

The HHS's report highlights a series of lapses in NIH's monitoring and oversight. Given these documented failures, I strongly believe that the NIH should face consequences for its role in the mishandling of funds and lack of oversight. Our amendment sends a clear message that we, as representatives of the American people, will not tolerate negligence that results in such catastrophic outcomes.

In conclusion, let us come together to pass this crucial amendment, demonstrating our commitment to accountability, transparency, and the well-being of the American people. It is time to act decisively and ensure that our agencies fulfill their responsibilities to prevent future crises of this magnitude.

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Chair, I disagree with my colleague from Connecticut. The American people want the NIH to succeed. We need the NIH to succeed, but the American people are also saying, show us transparency. Tell us what is going on.

When the government is trusted, then we can actually get results and do good things for the American people. This is about trust. In fact, $3.7 million, I think that is a small price to pay when it comes to the price that Americans paid.

Yes, I urge this to be a bipartisan amendment, that we have transparency. If you are on the side of the American people, who deserve better from government agencies, this should be an easy amendment.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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