Rep. Juan Vargas' Provision Included in Budget Reconciliation Package to Fund Additional Covid-19 Medical Supplies

Press Release

Rep. Juan Vargas' (CA-51) provision was included in the Financial Services Committee (FSC) budget reconciliation package for President Biden's American Rescue Plan. The provision will provide $10 billion in additional appropriations for the Defense Production Act (DPA). The DPA contains a set of sweeping and powerful authorities that the Biden Administration can use in times of national emergency. Specifically, these authorities may be used to fund essential materials and goods needed to combat COVID-19.

"I'm very pleased that my provision was included in the Financial Services Committee budget reconciliation package. The Biden Administration has made clear on their intention to use the DPA in full force," said Rep. Vargas. "My provision will provide $10 billion in additional appropriations for the Defense Production Act to fund testing, personal protective equipment, and vaccine production."

After September 30, 2022, unused funds from the $10 billion will be made available for the United States Department of Health and Human Services in their efforts to prevent future pathogen-caused public health emergencies.

"Last year, the majority of the funding provided for the Defense Production Act in the CARES Act went to funding production for the defense industrial base, including weapons, aviation, and shipbuilding. However, that funding was specifically allocated for COVID-19 related efforts," said Rep. Vargas. "My provision will ensure that we focus the entire $10 billion in funding to combat COVID-19 and help prevent future public health emergencies."

The Financial Services Committee is voting on their portion of the reconciliation package this week.

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