For far too long, members of Congress have been hesitant to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, two senators in a bipartisan effort have decided enough is enough. Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Gary Peters (D-MI) announced they would launch the first governmentwide inquiry into the virus’s origins. It’s a cause that Paul has diligently pursued for the last three years and now his persistence has paid off.
“It is well past time for the Senate to conduct a bipartisan inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, and, as part of this investigation, we finally will be holding Committee hearings to do just that,” Paul said in a press release. “In order to prevent a more catastrophic pandemic from occurring, we must understand the nature of US-funded biotechnology and hold accountable those who engage in risky gain-of-function research. This investigation is groundbreaking, marking the first government-wide examination of taxpayer-funded, high-risk life science research.”
Peters was equally enthusiastic and determined to find the virus’s origins. He saw this as a step in mitigating the risks of future pandemics and health security vulnerabilities.
“Biotechnologies, such as CRISPR, are rapidly advancing, and our understanding of biological risks and threats is constantly evolving,” Peters said. “While many of these advancements have the potential to greatly benefit Americans, we must also ensure we are addressing and minimizing the serious risks they can also pose to our health and national security. This bipartisan oversight effort will allow us to take a comprehensive look at whether the federal government is taking the necessary steps to keep Americans safe from current and future biological threats.”
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“I’ve been banging on the doors of federal agencies for the past three years, relentlessly seeking information on COVID-19, but it’s been nothing short of a wild goose chase,” Paul added. “To prevent repeating past mistakes, it’s crucial we fully comprehend the dangers of engaging in potentially hazardous bioresearch. This involves shining a spotlight on the gaping holes in oversight throughout the federal research processes and procedures.”
The bipartisan effort should be applauded. COVID-19 was a once-in-a-lifetime tragedy that devastated the nation’s economy. The government was inadequately prepared for such an event, and many Americans suffered as a result. These inefficiencies extended beyond health concerns and into arguably one of the most extensive violations of liberties in the country’s history. Peters and Paul’s work investigating the pandemic’s origins warrants universal applause, and other politicians should follow their lead.