WASHINGTON, D.C. — After two years of investigation, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has unveiled its comprehensive final report, “After Action Review of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward.” Spanning 520 pages, the report serves as a roadmap for improving the United States’ pandemic preparedness and response, identifying critical failures and providing recommendations for the future.

The Subcommittee, formed in early 2023, reviewed over a million pages of documents, conducted interviews, and held hearings to explore the origins of COVID-19, government actions, and the broader impacts of the pandemic. The findings point to significant missteps, including fraud in relief programs, inconsistent public health messaging, and bureaucratic obstruction.

Key Takeaways

Pandemic Origins

The report concludes that COVID-19 most likely originated from a lab-related incident in Wuhan, China, linked to gain-of-function research. Federal funding mechanisms, including grants managed by EcoHealth Alliance, were criticized for inadequate oversight.

Relief Fund Mismanagement

The investigation uncovered massive fraud in federal pandemic relief programs:

  • At least $64 billion in fraudulent claims under the Paycheck Protection Program.
  • $191 billion lost to unemployment fraud, with much of the money stolen by international actors.
  • A lack of oversight left relief programs vulnerable to exploitation, leading to billions of taxpayer dollars wasted.

Public Health and Policy Failures

Public trust in health authorities eroded due to inconsistent guidance and policies:

  • Social distancing and mask mandates were criticized as unsupported by clear scientific evidence.
  • Prolonged lockdowns caused economic and mental health crises, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations.
  • Vaccine mandates sparked controversy, with the report highlighting rushed approvals and a lack of attention to natural immunity.

Impact on Schools and Students

School closures led to historic levels of learning loss and psychological harm among children. The report suggests political influence over scientific guidance contributed to prolonged closures, worsening the long-term effects on students.

Obstruction and Accountability

The report alleges intentional obstruction by agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and organizations like EcoHealth Alliance. Officials were accused of destroying records, delaying investigations, and resisting oversight.

Looking Ahead

The Subcommittee will formally present the report to Congress on December 4, along with additional materials and recommendations. Chairman Brad Wenstrup urged lawmakers to build on the findings, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and a unified national response to future pandemics.

“This work is a step toward earning back public trust and ensuring that we are better prepared for the next crisis,” Wenstrup stated.

The full report is available online, with a detailed summary highlighting critical lessons and the path forward for pandemic response.