U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) on March 23 introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the president to invoke the Defense Production Act of 1950 to respond to COVID-19 with the stateside production of more healthcare supplies.
The Defense Production Act gives the president a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for national defense, according to the congressional record summary of House Resolution 906.
“As I continue to talk to health care providers throughout my district, they’re worried about having the medical supplies necessary to treat COVID-19,” Rep. Davis said. “The sooner we contain this virus, the sooner Americans and businesses can return to normal life.”
Rep. Davis introduced the resolution with sponsor U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI) and 12 other cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Fred Upton (R-MI), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI), which also would call on the president to share specific information regarding the use of such authorities with Congress.
“These are unprecedented times and we need all hands on deck,” said Rep. Davis. “Utilizing the Defense Production Act would provide more direction and incentives for businesses to prioritize the equipment our health care providers are asking for.”
Specifically, the Defense Production Act gives the president authorities to support domestic preparedness, response and recovery from natural hazards, terrorist attacks, and other national emergencies.
The resolution has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.