Summary: This resolution calls on the President to (1) use all relevant authorities of the Defense Production Act to direct the domestic production of supplies to address COVID-19 (i.e., the coronavirus disease 2019), and (2) share specified information regarding the use of such authorities with Congress. (The Defense Production Act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.)
The resolution also states that Congress stands ready to make additional appropriations available for this effort (Cosponsors)
ANGIE CRAIG’S POSITION: Representative Craig Cosponsored the bill on 03/23/20.
STATUS: Introduced 03/23/20 by Rep. Levin, Andy [D-MI-9].
INFORMATION RELATED TO THE BILL:
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“President Trump said he would use the Defense Production Act in the worst case scenario—we’re there, Mr. President” Rep. Levin said. “Frontline health care workers are already treating patients without the personal protective equipment they need, some falling victim to the virus themselves. A nurse in my district described her ER as a ‘war zone’ in the fight for masks, everyone given one per shift. Soon, our health care workers will be battling for their patients to get the one ventilator available. We cannot wait for that day to come.” (Source: Rep. Levin, Press Release, 03/23/20)
ADDITIONAL DETAIL:
Link to the text of the bill.
Link to bill information (support and opposition) on Countable.
Link to bill information on GovTrack.