Bill To Address COVID-19 PPE Shortages Using Blockchain
At the end of April, Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA) introduced a new bill that establishes a blockchain network across the entire U.S. to monitor medical supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) and all 50 states.
The bill is notable in pointing to blockchain technology for such a critical function in society as Lynch is also the Chairman of the FinTech Task Force that includes both blockchain. As recently as two months ago, another high-ranking Democrat in the House, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), held a very upbeat hearing on blockchain.
A press release from Lynch’s office explains the legislation was created, ‘in response to the failures of the SNS to provide personal protection equipment, ventilators and other vital equipment during the current COVID-19 pandemic.’ The role of the SNS, located within the Department of Health and Human Services, is supposed to supplement state and local supplies during public health emergencies. However, the SNS has come under a great deal of criticism during COVID-19 because of its inability to meet the requests of some states for PPE.
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