Cruz Introduces Bill to Bypass Biden, Would Give States Power To Directly Order Monoclonal Antibodies

By
David Rufful
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OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.

Americans continue to suffer the devastating consequences of feckless and dementia-ridden Joe Biden.

Fortunately, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz is fighting back.

Biden recently stomped on states’ rights with a federal takeover of monoclonal antibody treatment. This prevents states from directly purchasing COVID-19 treatments like monoclonal antibodies.

States can only purchase COVID-19 treatments through the Biden administration and its distribution restrictions.

Many people, such as Florida surgeon general General Joseph A. Ladopo, have sounded the alarm because Biden is clearly failing to adequately and fairly distribute the antibody treatment.

In response, Cruz has introduced a bill that would allow states to directly purchase COVID-19 treatments.

The bill, S3440, would amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow states to use federal funds to purchase supplies related to COVID-19.

The legislation would also prohibit the federal government from “prioritizing Federal contracts over State contracts relating to purchasing supplies to combat the COVID–19 pandemic.”

Cruz told Fox News, “For months, many of us have been sounding the alarm over the Biden administration’s federal takeover of monoclonal antibody treatment distribution.”

“The bill I’ve introduced would empower states to determine their own needs, so those now facing critical shortages because of the Biden administration’s misguided policy can ensure their citizens are able to get the care they need.”

“President Biden has finally admitted that states, not the federal government, are the answer in situations like this and my bill is a great first step in that direction,” the statement added.

More from Daily Wire:

Texas has already reportedly purchased antibodies on its own. The Daily Wire reported in September:

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced Monday that he has obtained doses of lifesaving antibody treatment on his own, bypassing President Joe Biden’s move to take control of the care and ration doses as he sees fit…

Austin Bureau chief for The Dallas Morning News Bob Garrett detailed, “[Gov. Greg Abbott] says Texas has obtained its own supply of Regeneron, despite roadblocks from Biden administration, from drug wholesaler AmerisourceBergen. State purchasing directly, Abbott tells [Dana Loesch]. ‘Consider this treatment,’ he tells people testing + for #COVID19.”

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has also previously made purchases of the antibodies for his state.

In December, the Florida surgeon general sent a letter addressing the Biden administration’s failures to adequately and fairly distribute the antibody treatment. The Daily Wire reported:

Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladopo sent a searing letter to the Biden administration’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, accusing the Biden administration of “actively preventing the effective distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments in the U.S.”