How the Defense Production Act and Think-Tanks Are Combatting the Coronavirus

This afternoon President Trump announced that the White House is immediately launching private programs that will host accelerated medical research. He’s invited the world’s top scientists — some on loan from Fortune 500 companies — to conduct this emergency research.

Traditionally, Think Tanks were developed by corporations and operate as a business enterprise. They are regarded as principally in the business of selling their ideas. However, at this juncture, the special think tanks that are being instituted by this administration to work in conjunction with the Defense Production Act (DPA). The DPA prioritizes the production of demanded medical equipment and supplies to combat the novel coronavirus. Using the power of private enterprise and the federal government will help the medical communities expedite the containment of the virus.

Many dismiss the power of the Defense Production Act and how it can effectively support the efforts of the think tanks. Historically the DPA has helped our nation in the face of national and global crises. In 1950 President Harry S. Truman utilized it amid concerns regarding the demand for supplies and equipment during that war. In 2001, the administrations of both President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush invoked DPA to ensure that electricity and natural…