We Need Better PPE Distribution

Tell Congress to Improve PPE Distribution
 
The Federal response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been unpredictable and inadequate to meet the needs of states, cities and hospitals seeking supplies. Nowhere is this chaos more evident than in the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies throughout the country. Efficient distribution of PPE and tests is essential to protect front line health workers, limit the spread of the virus and help the country reopen the economy safely. Yet the Trump administration's response has been incoherent and inconsistent not unlike Trump's daily press briefings.
Reports that federal authorities are confiscating supplies of PPE from states raise questions of whether the Trump administration is merely disorganized or if political motives are at play.  

As states and local authorities come up with creative ways to procure PPE and testing supplies, states have formed alliances to decide collectively about reopening their economies because there has been no plan at the federal level. A robust system for testing and contact tracing is an essential component of reopening in addition to efficient distribution of PPE. The chaotic response so far gives little assurance that the ongoing response will be any better.
The CARES Act provides funds to hospitals and physicians to purchase PPE and testing supplies, but while there is funding, there is also a lack of coordination and support by the executive branch that undermines this law. Congress must act swiftly and decisively to address the disorganized and disjointed Federal management of this crisis.

• Senator Duckworth | DC: 202-224-2854 | Chicago 312-886-3506 | Email Sen. Duckworth or call another office
  
• Senator Durbin | DC: 202-224-2152 | Chicago 312-353-4952 | Email Sen. Durbin or call another office
  
• And your Representative (Find your representative )
  

Script: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP CODE]. I'm calling to urge [NAME] to increase oversight and provide Americans with information about the Federal response to the coronavirus pandemic. I am particularly interested in measures like... [PICK 2-3 ITEMS TO HIGHLIGHT]:

• Clear information about what, when and why the Federal government is confiscating PPE and testing supplies from states and other local authorities, and where is that equipment going (and),
  
• Testimony from FEMA, HHS and other federal officials regarding the reasons behind the confiscations, to rule out political motives (and),
  
• Testimony from FEMA officials about the way contracts are being awarded and managed (and),
  
• Recommendations for states to follow for reopening economies, and measures that assist them in testing and contact tracing.
  

Congress has oversight responsibility over the executive branch and should be leading the call for accountability. Thank you for your time and consideration.


Thanks to 5 calls for this info.