REP. VARGAS’ COVID-19 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES AMENDMENT INCLUDED IN NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
Washington, D.C. (September 24, 2021) - Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after his amendment, the COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2021, was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment enables the President to use the Defense Production Act (DPA) authorities to further advance the production, acquisition, and distribution of medical supplies to help during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Yesterday, we secured the COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2021 in the NDAA, which affirms that certain medical materials qualify for purchase and increased production under the Defense Production Act. This amendment will ensure greater access to such materials nationwide and allow us to get these materials to communities most affected by public health crises like the current pandemic," said Rep. Vargas. "The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us important lessons on national preparedness. By expanding the President’s DPA authorities, we are not only addressing our nation’s current public health emergency, but also ensuring that we will be readily equipped to produce essential materials and goods to address future national emergencies.”
This amendment aims to help bolster supply chain security for materials essential to our national defense, including the medical supplies needed to address public health crises. It will also provide a framework for streamlined communication between the federal government and private sector, supporting the supply chain for production of these essential materials. This includes guidance for FEMA to appoint a civilian “Outreach Representative” to help coordinate partnerships between the federal government and private sector for the production of essential materials.