The DPA is requesting funding for medical supplies
The Defense Production Act is requesting an increase in its funding to ensure a supply of medical equipment that is much needed for treating and preventing coronavirus cases. Representative Ro Khanna is pushing Congress for a war time-like response for funding for ventilators and masks for patients and medical workers.
The DPA legislation gives the president broad powers over supply chains and force manufacturers to face the pressing needs for medical supplies for this pandemic while negotiating fair prices. The DPA applies caps a fund of $750 million and $50 million for each individual contract, with the president holding the power to wave the $50 million cap in the case of an emergency.
Currently, Trump is resisting using the legislation implying that nationalization of businesses doesn’t work out too well. The spokesperson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, John Murphy, explains that the DPA was designed for defense industry products from a single domestic supplier but this can harm industry sectors including medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.
Trump has repeatedly said he's invoking the Defense Production Act, but he hasn't wielded his powers yet despite health officials voicing alarm about potential shortages of ventilators and gear for doctors on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.https://t.co/zWADl0D0fk
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) March 22, 2020
The DPA will help many medical facilities that aren’t prepared for the surge in medical supplies during the highest demand. The current estimates according to the federal government indicate they will need $7 billion for 3.5 billion N95 masks.
Ventilators are also in high demand with increasing medical cases with the American Hospital Association estimating they will need 790,000 ventilators that is estimated to cost $40 billion. Reports indicate that healthcare workers will be needing to have the equipment to prevent infection including their own powered-air purifying respirators that should cost a total of $50 billion with each mask costing $1,800.
The DPA is gaining more support from other politicians including the spokesperson for the Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee, Evan Hollander, and Nancy Pelosi. Despite the desperate need for medical equipment, the portion of funds is unknown.
MTV Revives ‘Club MTV’
-
Neal Brij Sidhwaney Faces Potential Prison Sentence for Voiced Threats Against Unnamed Supreme Court Justice. Neal Brij Sidhwaney, a...
-
Silver Sedan Hits Secret Service Vehicle in Wilmington Incident; President and First Lady Safely Evacuated. President Joe Biden and...
-
Concerns Rise as Inner Circle Signals Retribution Against Opponents and Media Recent statements from key allies within Donald Trump’s...
-
President Biden’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service takes crucial steps to protect wolverines in the face of climate change,...
-
President Biden invokes the Defense Production Act to strengthen American supply chains. In a strategic move to fortify American...
-
An alarming surge in harassment prompts security concerns, as court staff, including Judge Engoron and his clerk, grapple with...
-
President Biden adds a touch of humor to the annual Thanksgiving turkey Jokes ceremony. President Joe Biden marked his...
-
Former First Lady’s Legacy Lives On in Dedication to Caregiving, Peace, and Mental Health Reform The Carter Center announces...
-
Is the Tension Between China and the U.S. Increasing? Following four hours of straightforward summit talks on the outskirts...
-
Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls for de-escalation as fighting displaces millions and raises concerns for upcoming Congo elections....
-
Taking Precautions in Uganda and Kenya for Safe Travels The U.S. Embassy has recently issued important security alerts for...
-
White House Reveals Disturbing Executions and Threats in Conflict The White House has disclosed deeply concerning information regarding the...