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NEW LAWSUIT: We’re suing DHS, FEMA, and DOD for records related to the COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force and the federal government’s inability to coordinate a national strategy. #FOIA
https://www.americanoversight.org/document/complaint-american-oversight-v-dhs-fema-and-dod-covid-19-supply-chain-task-force-and-equipment-seizure
https://www.americanoversight.org/document/complaint-american-oversight-v-dhs-fema-and-dod-covid-19-supply-chain-task-force-and-equipment-seizure
Last month, Vanity Fair reported on the Trump Administration’s failure to launch a nation-wide plan for testing and supply distribution. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/07/how-jared-kushners-secret-testing-plan-went-poof-into-thin-air
Our lawsuit seeks info related to 3 questions:
- How is the federal government deciding which states receive supplies?
- Have “VIPs” influenced task force decisions?
- Did the federal government interfere with supply shipments headed to states and hospitals in the spring?
- How is the federal government deciding which states receive supplies?
- Have “VIPs” influenced task force decisions?
- Did the federal government interfere with supply shipments headed to states and hospitals in the spring?
In the spring, the federal government reportedly intercepted shipments of Covid-19 medical supplies headed towards local governments and hospitals. We asked the agencies for related communications and directives.
Next, we asked DHS and FEMA for records related to how the federal government tracks and responds to requests for supplies from states , including PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile. We want to know what FEMA has sent and where it’s gone.
Officials working on supply chain issues were reportedly using a “V.I.P. Update” spreadsheet to track tips from President Trump’s associates and were reportedly told to prioritize these tips. We asked DOD and DHS for records of this spreadsheet. https://www.americanoversight.org/document/foia-to-dod-for-vip-updates-provided-to-the-covid-19-supply-chain-task-force
The agencies have not responded to our FOIA requests within the legally mandated time, so we’re suing to release the documents.
As Covid-19 cases have recently surged, health-care workers and state officials are once again concerned about a lack of sufficient PPE and other supplies. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/08/health/coronavirus-masks-ppe-doc.html
There is still no coordinated federal response to contain Covid-19. These documents related to the failed task force could provide answers.
You can learn more about our investigation into the federal government’s response to Covid-19 here: https://www.americanoversight.org/areas_of_investigation/coronavirus
You can learn more about our investigation into the federal government’s response to Covid-19 here: https://www.americanoversight.org/areas_of_investigation/coronavirus
