WASHINGTON—U.S. Rep. John Rose (TN-6) recently introduced the Unmasking the Origins of COVID-19 Act, which seeks to reward individuals who provide credible information regarding the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The State Department has long used rewards as a means for gaining critical information in numerous cases, such as in the successful takedown of Osama Bin Laden. This legislation would also encourage disclosure of nonpublic information related to gain of function research conducted at or in connection with Chinese laboratories, including theWuhan Institute of Virology.
“Tennesseans deserve a full explanation of the origins of COVID-19. However, the Chinese Communist Party has done everything within its power to block a credible investigation. This bill is aimed at identifying the precise origins of the outbreak by expanding the State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program to authorize financial compensation to individuals who are able to provide credible information about the outbreak,” said Rose. “In order to better prepare for and prevent future pandemics we can no longer afford to have this essential evidence remain in the shadows.”
“The coronavirus pandemic has been one of the worst disasters for the U.S. in my lifetime and we still don’t know how it started. Both Speaker Pelosi and the Biden administration have stalled declassification of existing intelligence related to the beginning of the outbreak. That is unacceptable,” said Chairman of the Republican Study Committee Jim Banks (R-IN). “Rep. Rose and the Republican Study Committee are treating this vital national security concern with the seriousness it deserves. We must know precisely what happened as soon as possible so it never happens again.”
Original cosponsors include Reps. Brian Babin (R-TX), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Clay Higgins (R-LA).
Background:
Rose’s legislation is part of the Republican Study Committee’s Countering Communist China Act, a comprehensive bill by House Republicans to take on the existential threat of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The text of the Unmasking the Origins of COVID-19 Act can be found HERE.
U.S. Rep. John Rose is currently serving his second term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Guy and Sam. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, White, and Wilson counties as well as portions of Cheatham and Van Buren counties. Rep. Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and attorney, and currently serves on the Financial Services Committee.
