Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3125, sponsored by my friend from California (Mr. Vargas). His legislation would help strengthen the oversight over this issue that we are discussing today of using the Defense Production Act's authorities during this COVID-19 pandemic. It also would help streamline the use of those authorities so that we ensure that the Federal Government's response is coordinated effectively with State-led efforts. I was proud to cosponsor this bill with my friend from California. I think every Member of this House recognized that coordination challenge during the emergency, and it was challenging in some of our States to see surplus of supply in some States and not in others. So Mr. Vargas has attempted to focus in during the pandemic on enhancing that coordination when we are using the DPA. That coordination effort would work with private suppliers of medical items for more efficient and essential consideration when the U.S. is facing this kind of a public health emergency. Although the U.S. appears to be exiting the pandemic now, DPA authorities are still in use to address our critical medical needs. We must be especially vigilant as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc abroad, giving rise to potential new variants that the medical community will have to monitor closely. Of course, we are all now far more sensitized to the pandemic risks that may arise with little notice in the future. Mr.…”