Congressman Sires Pushes Administration to Release Requested Medical Supplies to New Jersey

(Washington D.C.) – On Monday, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) joined a bipartisan, bicameral majority of the New Jersey congressional delegation in urging the Department of Health and Human Services to fulfill New Jersey’s request for medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. 

“New Jersey has seen a rapid increase in the number of presumptive positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases” said Rep. Sires. “Our health care system needs federal support as it prepares for even more people who need testing and treatment. Part of that support is supplying health workers and patients with supplies, like face masks, gloves, and respirators. As of March 13th, New Jersey had only received 84,578 of the requested 2,880,000 N95 respirators, 201,479 of the requested 864,000 face/surgical masks, and 111,378 of the requested 2,880,000 gloves. We must help patients and medical personnel, along with first responders – EMTs, police, and fire personnel –an all those working to flatten the curve and I will continue to press the Department of Health and Human Services until they have released necessary supplies.”