On Friday, the House voted overwhelmingly to declassify U.S. intelligence evidence concerning the origins of COVID-19, demonstrating broad bipartisan support on the eve of the third anniversary of the fatal pandemic’s outbreak.
The measure received final passage with a 419-0 majority, sending it to the desk of President Joseph Biden for signature.
Americans have doubts regarding the origin of the deadly virus and measures that might be taken to avoid future epidemics.
Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, stated, “The American people needs answers on all aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak.”
This includes, as he stated, “how this virus was formed and, especially, whether it was the consequence of a natural occurrence or a lab-related event.”
The decision to declassify intelligence centered on China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology, alleging “possible linkages” between the institute’s research and the breakout of COVID-19, which the World Health Organization proclaimed a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
There is disagreement among U.S. intelligence services as to whether a lab leak or animal contamination is the likely source of the deadly virus.
The exact genesis of the coronavirus epidemic, which has killed over one million Americans, may not be understood for decades, if ever.
During the discussion, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, stated, “Transparency is a cornerstone of our democracy.”
Initiated by Republicans, the focus on the origins of the virus comes as the House convened a special committee earlier in the week to investigate claims regarding the beginnings of the pandemic.
Notwithstanding the sometimes harsh rhetoric regarding the origins of the coronavirus and the doubts about the reaction to the virus by U.S. health officials, notably former top health adviser Anthony Fauci, this represents a rare moment of bipartisanship.
