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A congressional investigation spanning two years into the COVID-19 pandemic’s origins and response concluded Monday, supporting claims that the virus likely emerged from a Chinese laboratory. The devastating outbreak claimed 1.1 million American lives.

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, led by Republicans, produced a comprehensive 520-page document examining federal and state responses, outbreak origins, and vaccination initiatives.

“This work will help the United States, and the world, predict the next pandemic, prepare for the next pandemic, protect ourselves from the next pandemic, and hopefully prevent the next pandemic,” Chairman Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, said in a letter to Congress.

Despite varying conclusions from global health organizations and scientific communities regarding COVID-19’s origins, with many suggesting animal transmission in China, a recent U.S. intelligence report indicated possible genetic engineering and escape from Wuhan’s virology facility, where initial cases appeared.

The congressional committee, after extensive research involving 25 meetings, over 30 interviews, and reviewing millions of documents, favored the laboratory leak theory.

Their investigation included private sessions with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who became America’s leading pandemic expert in 2020. Fauci, now under security protection due to family death threats, faced criticism from Trump supporters over their policy disagreements.

Republican lawmakers allege the 83-year-old immunologist contributed to the pandemic by approving funding for Chinese researchers they believe created the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The report confirmed NIH funding for controversial “gain-of-function” research at Wuhan’s facility. However, Fauci strongly rejected allegations of covering up COVID-19’s origins during his June testimony, stating the studied bat viruses couldn’t possibly transform into the pandemic virus.

The panel ultimately concluded that SARS-CoV-2 “likely emerged because of a laboratory or research-related accident.”

Beijing swiftly rejected the findings, questioning the report’s credibility. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “The authoritative scientific conclusion drawn by the China-WHO joint expert team… is that a laboratory leak is extremely unlikely,” adding claims of evidence manipulation and slander.

The investigation also criticized lockdown measures and mask mandates as ineffective, though acknowledging travel restrictions’ life-saving impact. It praised Trump’s Operation Warp Speed vaccine development program while expressing concern over lasting educational impacts from school closures.