August 14th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Today, U.S. Representatives David Trone (D-MD) and John Joyce (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Strengthening our Health Security Through Resilient Medical Supply Chains Annual Review Act. 

 

This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to produce an annual report detailing the United States’ dependence on critical devices, supplies, and drugs sourced outside of the U.S. and provide recommendations to strengthen domestic medical supply chains. The Strengthening our Health Security Through Resilient Medical Supply Chains Annual Review Act would help the United States build resilient medical supply chain that can support our population through future public health crises and help create American jobs.

 

This effort comes as personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages are being reported across the country, leaving hospitals and businesses unprepared to manage the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

“From my years in business, I know just how important it is to have a dependable supply chain,” said Congressman David Trone. “This pandemic has shown us that our medical supply chain in the United States is in need of repair. The Strengthening our Health Security Through Resilient Medical Supply Chains Annual Review Act will allow us to create a supply chain that can withstand future public health crises and will create jobs in the process. I’d like to thank Congressman Joyce for working with me on this critical legislation.”

 

“Moving our medical supply chain to the United States and our allies – and away from hostile regimes such as the Chinese Communist Party – is key for our nation’s health and safety,” said Congressman Joyce. “By ending our dependence on the Chinese government for critical medicines and supplies, we can ensure the safety of our supply chain while creating family-sustaining jobs for American workers. This commonsense legislation takes a step in the right direction as we seek to move our sourcing away from China. The United States never should be beholden to the Chinese Communist Party for our health care supplies, and I will continue working to strengthen our supply chain and protect American families.”