Today, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar ( R-FL ) released the following statement on the United State's ability to engage in vaccine diplomacy in response to the Biden Administration's decision to waive COVID-19 vaccine Intellectual Property ( IP ) protections, through the World Trade Organization ( WTO ):
"The United States is leading the world’s COVID-19 response by developing the most effective vaccines and making the largest contributions to global health organizations like COVAX and GAVI to deliver vaccines directly to vulnerable communities. That is why the Biden Administration’s hasty decision to hand over American technology and waive vaccine Intellectual Property protections is alarming. This decision does not immediately improve the global supply of vaccines, which are desperately needed in hard-hit countries. Moreover, it will undermine the protection U.S. companies need to facilitate research and development, invest in miracle cures, and protect against manipulation from state-backed industries in China and Russia.
"Our system works and Americans will continue to benefit if we do what we have always done - step up when the world needs us the most. Rather than crushing free market innovation, the U.S. should propose bold surplus vaccine donation plans, increase awareness of current U.S. efforts, and ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Our most vulnerable allies and neighbors, especially in the Western Hemisphere, are counting on us to get this right and slow viral spread and COVID-19 mutations. I will soon be introducing legislation to curb the Administration’s ability to undermine American innovation and develop a strategy for effective U.S. vaccine diplomacy."
Congresswoman Salazar currently represents Florida's beautiful 27th Congressional district which includes most of the City of Miami, its suburbs, and the beaches. She serves on the Small Business Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Original source can be found here.
