The Defense Production Act (DPA) and COVID-19: Key Authorities and Policy Considerations

Abstract

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, the United States faces drug and medical supply scarcities due to disrupted supply chains and increased demand. In response, the President may exercise emergency authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA; 50 U.S.C. sections 4501 et seq.) to address supply shortages and economic development impacts. During a press conference on March 18, 2020, the President indicated that he would invoke the DPA to address domestic essential goods and materials shortages caused by the pandemic. This Insight considers the various DPA authorities that maybe used going forward and explores potential policy considerations for Congress.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 18, 2020
Accession Number
AD1169964

Entities

People

  • Heidi M. Peters
  • Michael H. Cecire

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Congress
  • Covid-19
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Domestic
  • Economic Development
  • Emergencies
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Health
  • Homeland Security
  • National Security
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Protective Equipment
  • Public Health
  • Security
  • Supply Chain
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology
  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Systems Analysis and Design