In a unanimous vote, the House of Representatives has passed a bill to declassify US intelligence information concerning the origins of COVID-19. This bipartisan support, coinciding with the third anniversary of the pandemic’s outbreak, has sent the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk for final approval.
The decision to declassify this information was motivated by the public’s desire for answers. Giving the public the virus’s origin and how to prevent future outbreaks. Congressman Michael Turner, Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, emphasized that the American public deserves a comprehensive understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Including whether it resulted from a natural or lab-related event.
This declassification order specifically focuses on intelligence linked to China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology. Where potential connections exist between its research and the COVID-19 outbreak. US intelligence agencies have differing opinions on whether the virus originated from a lab leak or animal spillover. Experts suggest that the true origin may remain uncertain for years or indefinitely.
The decision to declassify this information is a commitment to transparency in American democracy. The House recently launched a select committee to explore theories about the pandemic’s origins. This bipartisan effort is noteworthy given the contentious debates surrounding the virus’s source and the US health officials’ response.
If signed into law, this measure, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley, would require declassifying all information. Information, related to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19 within 90 days. This includes details about the lab’s research activities and whether any researchers fell ill due to their work.
