House Report Criticizes COVID-19 Response, Suggests Lab Leak Origin

A US congressional committee, led by Republicans, has concluded that COVID-19 likely originated from a lab-related accident, specifically pointing to research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The report criticizes the US National Institutes of Health for funding gain-of-function research in China and questions the effectiveness of lockdowns and mask mandates. The committee's findings contrast with other scientific assessments suggesting a zoonotic origin for the virus. The report also praises Operation Warp Speed for its role in vaccine development but highlights the negative impact of school closures.