House Republican report blames Chinese cover-up for coronavirus pandemic

House Republicans blame Chinese cover-up for coronavirus pandemic Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday released their final report investigating China’s actions related to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing Beijing of covering up Laura Kelly TheHill

Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday released their final report investigating China’s actions related to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing Beijing of covering up the virus threat and faulting the World Health Organization for failing to push back. 

The 96-page report builds on interim findings released in June by Republicans, and largely backs President Trump's argument that the COVID-19 pandemic could have been prevented if not for the actions of China.

The report accuses China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of destroying evidence, suppressing information about the virus spread and failing to notify the world of the first cases of the disease and under obligations of International Health Regulations. 

“In sum, the COVID-19 global pandemic could have been prevented if the CCP acted in a transparent and responsible manner,” the report states.

Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) repeated GOP calls for the resignation of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the global health body’s response to the pandemic and its failure to censure China over its handling of the virus. 

“It is crystal clear that had the CCP been transparent, and had the head of the WHO cared more about global health than appeasing the CCP, lives could have been spared and widespread economic devastation could have been mitigated,” McCaul said in a statement. “Revealing the truth is just the first step; we must hold both the CCP and WHO Director General Tedros accountable for the suffering they have allowed the world to endure.” ...

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has heavily criticized Trump's actions, saying he has not listened to science and has given mixed messages on social distancing and the wearing of masks that could have reduced COVID-19's effect on the nation. Polls show a majority of voters disapprove of how Trump has managed the pandemic.

Trump on Monday gave himself an "A+" on the his job performance on the coronavirus and has repeatedly cast the pandemic as a problem created by China. ...