Summary
Sets up a program for the government to partner with American companies to make sure there is enough protective gear for future health emergencies.
What problem does this solve?
During past health crises, the United States did not have enough protective gear and had to get it from other countries, causing shortages. This bill helps solve this by creating partnerships with American companies to make sure a supply of this gear is always ready in the U.S.
Who does this affect?
- Domestic manufacturers of protective equipment
- Healthcare and frontline workers
- Government agencies
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)
Header:
National defense and health security domestic manufacturing partnership program
Establishes a domestic PPE partnership program
Creates a program for the government to partner with American companies to make sure there is enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for health emergencies.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 3(a)
Header:
Domestic procurement of clothing or equipment used to prevent the transmission of infectious disease
Requires buying American-made protective gear
Stops federal, state, and local governments from using federal money to buy protective clothing or equipment made outside the United States.
Sets rules for eligible manufacturers
Requires partner companies to be based in the U.S. and to make more of their products in the U.S. over time, reaching 100% by 2028.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 4
Header:
Report on the impact of changes to ppe requirements on frontline worker safety
Requires a report on worker safety
Directs the government to study and report to Congress on how changes to PPE rules during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the safety of frontline medical workers.
Defines qualified protective equipment
Creates a list of approved protective gear that meets quality guidelines, has been cleared by the FDA, and is sold at a fair market price.
What is the real world impact?
•
Strengthens national preparedness for health emergencies
Ensures the U.S. has a reliable supply of protective gear by partnering with American companies, preventing shortages like those seen in past pandemics.
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Promotes 'buy American' policies
Requires federal, state, and local governments to use federal money to buy American-made protective gear, which helps support U.S. businesses and jobs.
•
Could increase costs for protective equipment
Forcing the government to buy only American-made gear might lead to higher prices compared to buying from other countries. This could increase costs for taxpayers and limit options if U.S. supply is not enough.
When does this start?
This bill sets several deadlines for creating the new program and for companies to meet manufacturing goals.
Deadline for purchasing agreements
Within one year of the bill becoming law, the government must create a process for making purchasing agreements with U.S. companies.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 4
Header:
Report on the impact of changes to ppe requirements on frontline worker safety
Deadline for report on worker safety
Within one year of the bill becoming law, a report on how PPE rule changes affected frontline worker safety must be sent to Congress.
Domestic manufacturing phase-in
Partner companies must make 50% of their products in the U.S. in 2026, 75% by 2027, and 100% by 2028.