U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut wants the federal government to take over the medical supply chain. He says this would ensure a more efficient distribution of personal protective equipment and critical medical devices that are needed to combat COVID-19.
Murphy says states and hospitals have spent hours on end to try to weed out charlatans and con artists as they chase after dwindling supplies of the protective gear and equipment they need.
“It is a ‘Lord of Flies’ scenario today in which supply is not heading to the areas of need. But is instead heading to areas where the money is or where the political connections exist.”
Murphy says that's why he’s joined fellow Democrat, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, in introducing legislation to force President Donald Trump to implement the Defense Production Act of 1950 that the president activated last week. He says if Trump were to enforce the act it would drive a coordinated federal response that would help protect all healthcare workers and patients.
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