Global experts endorse legislation creating COVID-19 commission

More than 100 COVID-19 experts called on Congressional leaders Thursday to pass bipartisan legislation to create a COVID-19 Commission.

The legislation, introduced by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would create the National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic that would conduct an investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak and identify lessons learned concerning preparedness, response, and recovery. Modeled after the 9/11 Commission, the COVID-19 Commission would have the same structure and authorities as the 9/11 Commission.

“The most recent estimate published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences indicates that the likelihood of another global pandemic during our children’s lifetime is high. Information gleaned from a National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic is urgently needed to strengthen public health systems in the U.S. and abroad to minimize the impact of the next pandemic,” the scientists wrote in a letter to Senate and House leaders.

Scientists said the United States needed to act with its international partners to identify what steps should be taken to prevent an outbreak like COVID-19 again.

“While appropriate measures deployed within our national borders can reduce the impacts of the virus, the US cannot protect itself by acting unilaterally,” the scientists wrote. “A National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic is necessary to identify what international surveillance mechanisms or early warning signals are needed to ensure timely management of similar events. A Commission will also identify ways the US can assume a leadership role with the widest possible international participation.”

Feinstein said she appreciates the support.

“I’m grateful to have the support of top experts from around the world for our bipartisan efforts to set up a 9/11-style COVID-19 commission,” she said in a statement. “It will help us understand and learn from this pandemic so we can better prepare for the next one. It’s my hope that Congress can work together now to move this bill forward without delay.”