UP Gazette

Legislation has been proposed in Michigan to hold the Chinese government accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China and quickly spread to other areas of the world, including Michigan. 

Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) introduced the legislation that would make the Chinese government responsible for the pandemic, according to the Michigan House Republicans website.

House Bill 6025 would have the Michigan Department of Treasury determine the financial impact the pandemic has had on the state. The treasury would then send an invoice, including all of the fiscal impacts, to China.

Rep. Beau LaFave | Michigan House Republicans

Financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic would be the total of "adding Michigan’s increase in unanticipated expenditures and decrease in anticipated revenue," according to Michigan House Republicans.

“China knew a novel infectious disease was spreading inside Wuhan Province, lied to the World Health Organization and claimed it did not spread from person to person,” LaFave told Michigan House Republicans. “It then tried to cover its tracks by throwing out journalists attempting to sound the alarm bells to the rest of the world. Despite its own regional travel ban, it allowed infected people to fly overseas into Detroit International Airport and hubs across the world, uninhibited.”

LaFave's proposal is currently being supported by eight Republican legislators and two Democrats. The proposition will be heard by the House Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security. 

“Let’s not forget the slow genocide that is currently being perpetrated against 30-plus million Uighur Muslim minority,” LaFave said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “Evil is the Chinese government’s currency of choice, and it’s time to make them pay.”