JAYAPAL & HERRERA BEUTLER LEAD BIPARTISAN LETTER URGING TRUMP TO USE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT TO SPUR PPE PRODUCTION

 [SEATTLE, WA] – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) joined together in a bipartisan effort calling on President Donald Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) to jump-start domestic production of personal protective equipment (PPE).

In a letter signed by 14 members of Congress from across the aisle, the lawmakers write that invoking the DPA for PPE production would stave off another bidding war between state and local government institutions, spur economic recovery and prevent future outbreaks. In their letter, they cite the possibility of future COVID-19 outbreaks as well as ongoing shortages of PPE at medical facilities, nursing homes and other workplaces. 

“Current trends indicate that a second wave of COVID-19 is possible in the coming months. We must ensure that we are rapidly scaling up domestic production of PPE to both meet current needs and prepare for a possible resurgence of cases,” the lawmakers write. “Although existing domestic PPE producers are working hard and other companies have stepped up to divert their domestic manufacturing capacity to PPE, this output combined does not meet the nation’s massive needs. The federal government should act decisively to ensure adequate production.” 

The letter can be found here.

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Issues: Government Reform & Ethics