All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Manchin calls on administration to utilize Defense Production Act

Washington, D.C. – After hearing from medical professionals across West Virginia about the desperate need for medical supplies and testing, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced two bills to require the full use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to produce these supplies. Both bills would require the President to use his full authority to quickly produce and ensure access to supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), for healthcare professionals and those on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 also requires the proportion of the population in a state with a higher risk of developing a serious illness from COVID-19 to be considered in the allocation of medical supplies and equipment.

“West Virginia hospitals and healthcare workers are in dire need of medical supplies like PPEs, masks, gloves, and gowns. Our medical facilities will soon need ventilators and respirators to properly care for West Virginians who contract COVID-19. Today, I introduced two bills to require the full use of the DPA to produce the supplies our nurses, doctors, and first responders desperately need. We must provide those on the front lines with the essential supplies they need to take care of themselves while they care for others,” said Senator Manchin.

The Medical Supply Chain Emergency Act of 2020 would:

  • Direct the President to use his authority under the DPA to determine that medical equipment is critical and strategic material, identify private sector capacity, and require the production of at least 500 million N95 respirators, 200,000 medical ventilators, 20 million face shields, 500 million pairs of gloves, and 20 million surgical gowns, in addition to other medical equipment deemed necessary at a fair and reasonable price.
  • Direct the President or his designee to coordinate and direct allocation of this equipment, based on requests and need of each governor based on the number of cases of COVID-19 and the proportion of high-risk population in the state.
  • Return unused equipment purchased with the Defense Production Act Fund to the stockpile.

The second bill would: 

  • Immediately require the President to issue a major purchase order for 300 million N95 masks, which will allow industry to begin scaling up production of masks and other PPE materials.
  • Require the National Response Coordination Center to conduct a national assessment on current medical supply needs and a follow up major purchase order of equipment, including PPE and ventilators, to fulfill the needs identified in the assessment.
  • Waive restrictions on dollar limitations for orders executed under DPA and a 30 day waiting period for orders that exceed $50 million.

Senator Manchin launched an information resources page where West Virginians can learn more about the coronavirus outbreak and how to protect themselves and their families. To learn more please click here

To receive daily updates from Senator Manchin on the coronavirus outbreak, please click here.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.