Today, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar ( R-FL ), Tom rice ( R-SC ), Byron Donalds ( R-FL ), Gus Bilirakis ( R-FL ), and Dr. Ronny Jackson ( R-TX ) have introduced the American Medical Investment Generating Overseas Security or the FRIENDS Act ( H.R. 3236 ) to protect American Intellectual Property and strengthen the United State's ability to engage in vaccine diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The United States is leading the world’s COVID-19 response - we developed the most effective vaccines and have made the largest contributions to global health organizations like COVAX and GAVI to deliver vaccines directly to vulnerable communities. However, the Unites States has no strategic surplus vaccine diplomacy strategy.
"Rather than crushing free market innovation, the U.S. should be proposing bold surplus vaccine donation plans, increase awareness of current U.S. efforts, and ramp up vaccine manufacturing," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Our most vulnerable allies and neighbors, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean are counting on us to get this right and slow viral spread and COVID-19 mutations. I've introduced the FRIENDS Act to develop a strategy for effective U.S. vaccine diplomacy and counter Communist China's and Putin's Russia's growing influence in our hemisphere."
Currently, the recipients of American-funded and American-provided vaccines through COVAX and GAVI are unaware that they are coming from the United States since they are being distributed through global organizations. Meanwhile, China and Russia are actively engaging in vaccine diplomacy which, if not properly addressed, could further entrench adversarial presence close to home in the Western Hemisphere, and reshape the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.
The FRIENDS Act accomplices three goals:
one. Protects U.S. vaccine IP.
2. Outlines an effective U.S. vaccine diplomacy strategy.
3. Ensure USA branding on American-supplied vaccines.
This strategy only takes effect once every eligible American has had the chance to receive the vaccine. Specifically, the FRIENDS Act implements a strategy to prioritize surplus vaccine distribution to our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere as well as key U.S. allies and partners across the globe, requiring USA branding so that an American flag is emblazoned on every surplus vaccine we provide to other countries. It also prevents the Administration from signing over American Intellectual Property ( IP ) through the World Trade Organization without Congressional approval.
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.
