Donald Trump is refusing to use a federal law that could compel companies to produce desperately needed medical supplies. (Photo: Getty)
Donald Trump is refusing to use a critical federal law that would ramp up production of desperately needed medical supplies, a move that puts profits over the public.
Trump authorized use of the Defense Production Act on Wednesday (Mar. 18) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
But he said at a news conference the following day it’s still to early to determine to what extent the White House should use the law to marshal supplies.
The move came in the face of pressure from bipartisan members of Congress and governors to use the powers.
State and local officials have said hospitals and medical workers are quickly running out of personal protective equipment like masks, gowns and gloves, as well as ventilators as the number of coronavirus cases soar, according to press reports.
Among other things, the act would allow the government to compel companies to produce needed supplies and marshal the necessary resources.
But more importantly, it would allow the government to control prices to prevent gouging or excessive profits.
As it is, companies that make such things as ventilators, masks and personal protection equipment are free to charge what the market will bear.
What’s more, the Trump administration appears to be bidding up prices for medical supplies and putting them out of reach of local governments.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told Trump during a video conference on Thursday that his state three times lost out to the federal government on purchases of critical supplies.
“I’ve got a feeling that if someone has the ..
Support the originator by clicking the read the rest link below.
