The funding for developing and producing tests is in the treasury of the USA government. All those funds were noT distributed to the states. I chose the website of Congressman Panetta because it clearly highlights the first bill passed by Congress.
The first bill ever passed by Congress to address the health emergency in the country clearly has SEPARATE funding for federal and state efforts.
More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;
The bill clearly states there is a SEPARATE funding for states and the federal government. The $950 million assigned to the states is to support the agencies hardest hit by this national health emergency. But, those $950 million have no designation in the bill that the states are to find their own testing solution and manufacture it. If that was the case then what the heck is Trump doing with the $2.2 billion SPECIFICALLY assigned to prevention, preparedness and response and the $3 billion for R&D of vaccines, therapeutics, and DIAGNOSTICS?
$2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, $950 million of which is to support state & local health agencies;
The federal government is responsible for developing a test for SARS-CoV-2. The federal government is responsible for manufacturing the tests (preparedness) and the federal government is responsible for the distribution of the tests (response). The states have limited funds to respond to this national emergency and there is no responsibility of the states to conduct R&D. That would be counter-productive. The states would have to establish labs and pay staff to carry out that responsibility. EVERY STATE. There would be 50 state labs, 50 staff, and 50 outcomes. And at no time is any ONE successful state responsible for the federal distribution of a test.
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March 4, 2020
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) (click here) voted for an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to address the coronavirus outbreak. The bill includes funding for testing, vaccine development, treatments, and support for state and local preparedness. The legislation passed on a 415-2 vote.
Among its provisions, the emergency supplemental includes:
The first bill ever passed by Congress to address the health emergency in the country clearly has SEPARATE funding for federal and state efforts.
More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;
The bill clearly states there is a SEPARATE funding for states and the federal government. The $950 million assigned to the states is to support the agencies hardest hit by this national health emergency. But, those $950 million have no designation in the bill that the states are to find their own testing solution and manufacture it. If that was the case then what the heck is Trump doing with the $2.2 billion SPECIFICALLY assigned to prevention, preparedness and response and the $3 billion for R&D of vaccines, therapeutics, and DIAGNOSTICS?
$2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, $950 million of which is to support state & local health agencies;
The federal government is responsible for developing a test for SARS-CoV-2. The federal government is responsible for manufacturing the tests (preparedness) and the federal government is responsible for the distribution of the tests (response). The states have limited funds to respond to this national emergency and there is no responsibility of the states to conduct R&D. That would be counter-productive. The states would have to establish labs and pay staff to carry out that responsibility. EVERY STATE. There would be 50 state labs, 50 staff, and 50 outcomes. And at no time is any ONE successful state responsible for the federal distribution of a test.
.......................................................................................
March 4, 2020
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) (click here) voted for an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to address the coronavirus outbreak. The bill includes funding for testing, vaccine development, treatments, and support for state and local preparedness. The legislation passed on a 415-2 vote.
Among its provisions, the emergency supplemental includes:
- More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;
- $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, $950 million of which is to support state & local health agencies;
- Nearly $1 billion for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to support healthcare preparedness and Community Health Centers, and to improve medical surge capacity;
- $435 million to support health systems overseas to prevent, prepare, and respond to the coronavirus;
- $300 million to respond to humanitarian needs;
- $61 million to facilitate the development and review of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines, and to help mitigate potential supply chain interruptions; and
- Allows for an estimated $7 billion in low-interest loans to affected small businesses.
The emergency supplemental also contains other strong provisions to ensure a full response and keep Americans safe. The bill:
- Requires that funds are only used to fight the coronavirus and other infectious diseases;
- Allows seniors to access telemedicine services for coronavirus treatment;
- Helps ensure that vaccines and treatments for coronavirus are affordable; and
- Ensures that state and local governments are reimbursed for costs incurred while assisting the federal response.
The Executive Branch of the federal government ANSWERS to all the states when it comes to testing, producing them and distributing them.
