U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) on Sept. 9 sponsored legislation that would prohibit distribution abroad of COVID-19 vaccines developed with Americans’ taxpayer dollars until the domestic need for the vaccine has been met.
“Since this pandemic began, I have worked on a bipartisan basis to protect the health and safety of North Carolinians, including supporting billions of dollars to produce a safe and effective vaccine as quickly as possible,” Sen. Tillis said. “Once that vaccine is developed, Americans should get the vaccine first before it goes to other countries.”
If enacted, the America First Vaccine Act, S. 4542, would require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration commissioner, to certify that the domestic need for the vaccine has been met or is in the best interest of U.S. public health, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ staff. Any company that violates this requirement would be required to reimburse the federal government for all federal funds they received, plus interest, according to the summary.
“The America First Vaccine Act is about protecting the health of North Carolinians and ensuring that they receive a return on their investment when we develop a safe vaccine,” said Sen. Tillis.
The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.