The coronavirus is threatening to overwhelm our entire health care system.

Medical professionals don’t even have enough of basic supplies like the cotton swabs needed to administer tests.

Think about that for a second.

Our ability to defend ourselves from this pandemic could come down to a lack of something as seemingly insignificant as cotton swabs.

There’s also a beyond-severe shortage of other critical equipment, like masks and ventilators.

And without markedly expanding our nation’s manufacturing capacity, once a vaccine is developed we still wouldn’t be able to make it fast enough or in sufficient quantities.

The federal government can — and is the ONLY entity that can — solve these problems.

President Trump must immediately wield something called the Defense Production Act — historically used in time of war — under which the government can compel American companies to prioritize making goods required for national security.

Trump has suggested he will use the law at some point. We need it now.

Tell Trump to employ the Defense Production Act RIGHT NOW to drive generation of the supplies, treatments and capacity that our health care system, and the world’s people, are desperate for.

Add your name.

This is a global challenge with no precedent in our lifetimes. We are, in essence, at war with the coronavirus. We must act accordingly.

Thanks for taking action.

Stay safe.

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. This message is part of our ongoing outreach to help you stay informed and involved as our nation and the world grapple with the coronavirus emergency. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain as this crisis intensifies. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Thank you.
 
 
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