Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a resolution on Tuesday calling for an international investigation into the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) “cover-up” of the early spread of the coronavirus pandemic that then spread to the rest of the world and has affected the global economy.

The resolution lays out how China tried to hide the discovery and spread of the coronavirus and calls for an investigation into how the CPP’s handling of the coronavirus before March 11, 2020, contributed to the emergence of a global pandemic. It also calls on China to pay back all nations affected by coronavirus.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) introduced a companion bill in the House. Hawley tweeted Tuesday:

Proud to partner w/ @EliseStefanik @RepStefanik to introduce this bicameral resolution calling for #China to compensate USA and all affected countries for the harm & destruction the Communist Party unleashed w/ their lies & deception about #coronavirus.

Proud to partner w/ @EliseStefanik @RepStefanik to introduce this bicameral resolution calling for #China to compensate USA and all affected countries for the harm & destruction the Communist Party unleashed w/ their lies & deception about #coronavirus https://t.co/BbOjy8pwbC — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) March 24, 2020

Stefanik, a member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, said in a statement:

Since day one, the Chinese Communist Party intentionally lied to the world about the origin of this pandemic. The CCP was aware of the reality of the virus as early as December but ordered laboratories to destroy samples and forced doctors to keep silent. It is time for an international investigation into the role their cover-up played in the spread of this devastating pandemic. The CCP must be held to account for what the world is now suffering.

She also stated that the coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, was “Chinese-born,” amid Chinese attempts to falsely blame U.S. Army soldiers for bringing the coronavirus to China.

“The Communist government of China knowingly withheld critical information needed to combat the spread of the Chinese-born COVID-19 and to this day continues to spread lies and disinformation on the origin of the deadly virus,” she said.

“There is no doubt that China’s unconscionable decision to orchestrate an elaborate coverup of the wide-ranging and deadly implications of coronavirus led to the death of thousands of people, including hundreds of Americans and climbing,” she said.

“This Resolution calls for China to provide compensation for the harm, loss, and destruction their arrogance brought upon the rest of the world. Simply put – China must, and will, be held accountable.”

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