Senate Democrats Announce Legislation to Federalize Medical Supply Chain

May 7, 2020

Senate Democrats, led by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), have announced legislation, The Medical Supply, Transparency and Delivery Act that lays out a framework for federalizing the response to COVID-19, including oversight and transparency related to the supply chain for critical medical supplies and equipment. The bill would require the president to utilize all available authorities under the Defense Production Act to mobilize a federal response to the pandemic through a transparent and equitable process. A companion measure is expected to be introduced in the House.