Reps. Blumenauer, DeLauro, Doggett, and Schakowsky Urge Biden Administration to Publicly Support Utilization of TRIPS Waiver

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Blumenauer (D-OR), DeLauro (D-CT), Doggett (D-TX), and Schakowsky (D-IL) sent a letter to President Biden urging his administration to publicly support other countries utilizing the flexibilities provided in the TRIPS Decision on COVID-19 vaccines at the WTO. Furthermore, the lawmakers urged the Administration to advocate for an extension of the decision to cover COVID diagnostics (testing) and therapeutics.

“With more than 600 million shots in arms, 21,500 free testing sites, the ability to order at-home tests for free, and more treatments available now than at any point in the pandemic, the outlook in the United States is better than ever. Unfortunately, however, the prospect for many low-income countries is not so positive – putting the United States’ own success in jeopardy,” the lawmakers wrote.

“We have long held that a comprehensive TRIPS waiver covering vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics is vital to ensuring all global economies, including the United States’ economy, can recover from the pandemic and thrive,” they continued. “Simply put, we must make vaccines, testing, and treatments available everywhere if we are going to crush the virus anywhere.”

To view the full letter, click here