Larson Calls for War-Time Production of Ventilators

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called for the United States to immediately begin manufacturing ventilators and other medical equipment to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen, I am urging the President to use all available authorities and resources, including his recent invoking of the Defense Production Act, to ask manufacturers to immediately begin manufacturing more ventilators and other medical equipment at war-time production rates. During World War II our country came together to manufacture what our country needed, now is the time for us to come together again to make sure we have the equipment we need to treat Americans who become infected with COVID-19," said Larson.

Larson is sending a letter to President Trump to utilize Department of Defense authorities to deploy emergency resources and help detect, treat, and prevent COVID-19. Larson is also introducing legislation to call for this effort. The United Kingdom is currently increasing production of ventilators, Larson is calling on the United States to do the same.

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