Sen. Tester to Pence: 79,000 Masks FEMA Promised Montana are Far Short of What We Need, Most Haven't Been Delivered

WASHINGTON, April 10 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release on April 9:

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- Senator urges Vice President to implore Trump to use Defense Production Act: 'The discrepancy here is staggering'

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After Montana health officials notified the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the state needs approximately 460,000 N95 masks, FEMA promised 79,486 masks to the state, and then delivered only 10,870-a staggering shortfall U.S. Senator Jon Tester is imploring Vice President Mike Pence and the government's Coronavirus Task Force to address immediately.

"Health care officials across Montana notified the Governor's Coronavirus Task Force that we collectively need approximately 460,000 N95 respirator masks," Tester wrote. "On March 30th, I was assured that 79,486 masks were on their way to Montana via three separate shipments. While far short of our needs, it represented a starting point that would hopefully get the state through initial waves of the COVID-19 outbreak. But upon delivery of these shipments, Montana discovered it only received 10,870 masks. The discrepancy here is staggering and the lack of coordination and communication meant the state had an unanticipated 60,000 mask shortfall that that needed immediate attention."

After the federal government delivered only 10,870 of the promised 79,486 masks last week, the State of Montana was able to purchase additional masks from neighboring states to help close the gap in federal supplies-however with a total of 460,000 masks needed, Tester warned that this effort does not nearly begin to address the state's shortfall.

Tester's letter continues: "Fortunately, Governor Bullock successfully secured 60,000 masks through other means, but this situation highlights the inadequate planning and coordination of the federal government's vast resources, including the Strategic National Stockpile. I respectfully request that you ensure we receive an expeditious answer as to what date Montana can expect to receive the outstanding N95 respirator masks."

Tester noted that Montana has received insufficient support from the Administration's Strategic National Stockpile, and once again implored the Administration to make full use of the Defense Production Act. And he reiterated his call for the Administration to further activate the VA's Fourth Mission to serve as the backup health care provider for the nation in times of national emergency.

Tester has been working tirelessly to ensure that Montana is prepared to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Late last week he joined his colleagues to urge Vice President Pence and the Task Force for more personal protective equipment and medical supplies, and has fought to ensure Montana families have enough to eat amidst the crisis. After 72 hours of negotiating for substantial, bipartisan improvements to COVID-19 stimulus legislation that had previously fallen far short, Tester voted to deliver critical, urgent relief to Montana workers, families, small businesses, hospitals and others hardest hit by the outbreak, including $1.25 billion for the state of Montana.

Visit tester.senate.gov/coronavirusresources for a list of resources for Montanans during the COVID-19 outbreak

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April 9, 2020

To:

The Honorable Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States of America, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington DC 20500

Dear Vice President Pence:

I write today regarding concerns about the shortage of N95 respirator masks (masks) for Montanans as they combat theCOVID-19 outbreak and keep our communities safe. I am in regular contact with Administration officials at FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs in hopes of addressing the urgent needs of my state. To date, Governor Bullock has informed me the state has received insufficient support from the Administration's Strategic National Stockpile and I am coming to you in hopes of solving this issue.

Health care officials across Montana notified the Governor's Coronavirus Task Force that we collectively need approximately 460,000 N95 respirator masks. On March 30th, I was assured that 79,486 masks were on their way to Montana via three separate shipments. While far short of our needs, it represented a starting point that would hopefully get the state through initial waves of the COVID-19 outbreak. But upon delivery of these shipments, Montana discovered it only received 10,870 masks. The discrepancy here is staggering and the lack of coordination and communication meant the state had an unanticipated 60,000 mask shortfall that that needed immediate attention. Fortunately, Governor Bullock successfully secured 60,000 masks through other means, but this situation highlights the inadequate planning and coordination of the federal government's vast resources, including the Strategic National Stockpile. I respectfully request that you ensure we receive an expeditious answer as to what date Montana can expect to receive the outstanding N95 respirator masks.

Relatedly, I believe there are a number of common-sense steps the Administration could take to address the shortfall in medical supplies Montana and many other states are facing. I respectfully urge you to implore President Trump to make full use of the Defense Production Act. This basic step is long overdue and would provide great relief nationwide. Additionally, I continue my call for the Administration to further activate the VA's Fourth Mission to serve as the backup health care provider for the nation in times of national emergency. We have met that threshold and we should be making full use of the nation's largest-integrated health care system.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a response on when Montana can expect to receive the N95 respirator masks we have been promised. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Jon Tester