Would Help Keep Frontline Workers Safe, Promote American Manufacturing

Press Release

Representative Sharice Davids introduced legislation today to rapidly increase the supply of equipment like face masks, hospital gowns, ventilators, and testing materials needed to fight the coronavirus and keep frontline workers safe. The bill would also promote manufacturing these goods in the United States.

Davids' bill, the SUPPLIES Act, creates a $100 million grant program for small businesses that shift their production to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies in order to meet the rapidly growing demand for these items during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I hear from medical professionals and frontline workers every day who don't have the masks, test kits and other supplies needed to stop the spread of the coronavirus and keep themselves and their patients safe. And as businesses begin to reopen, the demand for these life-saving items will only grow. We should be using every tool we have, including activating our small businesses, to ensure we can meet the surging demand for these life-saving items and create a real stockpile of medical supplies that we can all be confident in," said Davids.

The SUPPLIES Act also has strong measures to promote American manufacturing and eliminate price gouging of these life-saving materials. It requires companies to prioritize domestic customers for these supplies and to sell their product at a reasonable market price.

"We've seen firsthand that relying on China to produce the vast majority of medical equipment we use in the U.S. is a big problem. It's led to shortages, price gouging, and a surge in counterfeit products. Companies across Kansas want to help fill the gaps in production, but too often they've faced barriers that have stopped them in their tracks. The SUPPLIES Act will cut the government red tape, keep people at work, and help companies, so they can help us," said Davids.

Businesses must demonstrate their own investment by providing a 25% match. The bill also includes reporting requirements within six months to ensure accountability for this program.

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