U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) wants to know what the Trump administration’s plans are to quickly approve, manufacture and distribute potential treatments and vaccines to Americans for fighting COVID-19.
“Life-saving treatments and vaccines are critical as we see an increase in COVID-19 cases and fatalities,” said Rep. McCaul, ranking member on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.
According to an April 1 statement, Rep. McCaul asked U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephan Hahn and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar for their COVID-19 treatments and vaccines plan.
“There are many potential treatments and vaccines currently in development — including one from Gilead Sciences that is in a Phase III trial,” Rep. McCaul said. “We must not waste a moment longer than is necessary to put potential treatments and vaccines in the hands of the American people.”
Rep. McCaul urged both departments to utilize new and existing federal funds and authorities to approve, manufacture and roll out new treatments; to actively engage with private-sector companies to manufacture new treatments; and to fast-track manufacturing approvals.
“By sufficiently supplying our healthcare industry’s arsenal to combat this deadly virus and utilizing public-private partnerships we could save lives,” the congressman said.