Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

President Trump recently invoked the Defense Production Act to compel a Maine-based company to produce swabs for coronavirus testing. This law, which dates back to the Korean War, gives the federal government considerable authority to compel private companies to produce materials in the interest of national defense.

While the administration has employed this law in recent weeks, many are calling on the government to do much more. In fact, Joe Biden said that the president's underuse of the act is a "national disgrace."

What is the Defense Production Act? And how might the government help medical professionals get access to the supplies they need to combat coronavirus? 

John Donvan hosted two of the nation's leading experts on the DPA in the IQ2 first-ever "at-home debate.” Historian of American production Margaret O'Mara and national security expert Thomas Spoehr took on the motion, "The Defense Production Act is being underutilized." 

Shows

MPR News Presents

Health

COVID-19

MPR News Staff

Author

What is the Defense Production Act? And how might the government help medical professionals get access to the supplies they need to combat coronavirus? John Donvan hosted two of the nation's leading experts on the DPA in the IQ2 first-ever "at-home debate.”

What is the Defense Production Act? And how might the government help medical professionals get access to the supplies they need to combat coronavirus? John Donvan hosted two of the nation's leading experts on the DPA in the IQ2 first-ever "at home debate.”

Intelligence Squared debate: Is the Defense Production Act being underutilized?

Go Deeper.

Like this?