Delegating Additional Authority Under the Defense Production Act With Respect to Health and Medical Resources To Respond to the Spread of COVID-19
Headline: Delegates Defense Production Act Authority for COVID-19 Medical Supplies
What it does: Agencies must use delegated Defense Production Act powers to expand production and allocate health and medical resources for COVID-19.
- Expands domestic production and distribution of personal protective equipment and ventilators.
- Allows government-backed loans, purchases, and commitments to support manufacturers.
- Gives officials authority to set nationwide priorities and control civilian distribution.
Summary
This order gives the secretaries in charge of health and homeland security new, temporary powers under the Defense Production Act to expand production and allocate health and medical supplies needed for COVID-19. It lets them make loans, guarantee loans, buy supplies, and make voluntary agreements with private businesses.
The order requires those officials to consult with each other and, in some cases, with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. It names a policy coordinator and directs agencies to issue rules to implement the order.
Ask about this order
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications.
What agencies are affected by this order?
How does this order change existing policy?
What are the practical implications of this order?