This legislation addresses the critical threat of infectious disease outbreaks, specifically highlighting the 2026 Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa which has rapidly spread and could surpass previous outbreaks in severity. It emphasizes that despite the need for reforms, the World Health Organization (WHO) remains the principal international body for disease surveillance and outbreak response. The bill asserts that U.S. participation in the WHO enhances national security, public health, and the ability to monitor emerging infectious diseases and coordinate with international partners. A key provision of this Act mandates that the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, take all necessary steps for the United States to rejoin the World Health Organization within 30 days of the bill's enactment. Furthermore, it requires immediate collaboration with the WHO to respond to the current Ebola Disease outbreak. The legislation also authorizes appropriations to cover assessed contributions and other financial obligations necessary to restore U.S. membership and to support the WHO's and other United Nations entities' efforts in combating the Ebola epidemic, aiming to prevent global transmission of the virus.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
International Affairs
EBOLA Act
USA119th CongressS-4929| Senate
| Updated: 6/24/2026
This legislation addresses the critical threat of infectious disease outbreaks, specifically highlighting the 2026 Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa which has rapidly spread and could surpass previous outbreaks in severity. It emphasizes that despite the need for reforms, the World Health Organization (WHO) remains the principal international body for disease surveillance and outbreak response. The bill asserts that U.S. participation in the WHO enhances national security, public health, and the ability to monitor emerging infectious diseases and coordinate with international partners. A key provision of this Act mandates that the President, in coordination with the Secretary of State, take all necessary steps for the United States to rejoin the World Health Organization within 30 days of the bill's enactment. Furthermore, it requires immediate collaboration with the WHO to respond to the current Ebola Disease outbreak. The legislation also authorizes appropriations to cover assessed contributions and other financial obligations necessary to restore U.S. membership and to support the WHO's and other United Nations entities' efforts in combating the Ebola epidemic, aiming to prevent global transmission of the virus.