More than a dozen attorneys general from across the country are urging President Trump to order more companies to ramp up production of protective gear and testing supplies — as he has done with face masks and ventilators.
The group, including New York AG Letitia James, asked the president in a letter to invoke the full power of the Defense Production Act so more factories can churn out masks, respirators, test kits and other supplies needed by health care workers and law enforcement.
“We are in a war with the coronavirus and if we don’t act now, the consequences could be catastrophic,” said James in a statement.
“With a definitive act from the commander-in-chief, companies nationwide can immediately begin manufacturing the masks, respirators, testing supplies, and other essential supplies Americans need to get through this crisis.”
In the letter, the 16 attorneys general pushed the federal government to “use its sweeping authority” to fill the continued shortage of critical supplies.
The Trump administration has already invoked the Defense Production Act, ordering 3M to produce more N95 respiratory masks and General Motors to manufacture ventilators.