Congressman Krishnamoorthi Welcomes White House’s Commitment To Export Raw Vaccine Materials To India, But Renews Call For Quick Action and More Significant Aid to India and[...]

SCHAUMBURG, IL - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, responded to the Biden Administration's commitment to immediately export raw materials to India for the purpose of manufacturing the Covishield vaccine, while renewing his call for the U.S. to release millions of AstraZeneca vaccine doses in its stockpile and to immediately ship other vital materials to countries experiencing a massive spread of COVID-19:

'The Biden Administration's commitment that it will export raw materials for the Indian manufacture of the Covishield vaccine is a welcome decision that will save lives if it is executed quickly. However, this is no time for symbolism, half-measures, or lip service - we must act now. It is imperative that the U.S. government double down on this commitment by exporting these materials expeditiously, by opening its stockpile of AstraZeneca vaccines currently sitting unused on shelves, and by following the actions of other countries this weekend by shipping medical supplies including oxygen concentrators to help treat COVID-19 victims in India and other countries hardest-hit by the spread of this deadly virus.'

Congressman Krishnamoorthi's statement followed an announcement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at 12:40 PM EST on Sunday, in which he stated that 'The United States has identified sources of specific raw material urgently required for Indian manufacture of the Covishield vaccine that will immediately be made available for India.'

'The Lend-Lease Act of World War II stated that the U.S. could lend or lease supplies to any nation deemed vital to the defense of the United States,' Krishnamoorthi added. 'This is no different - we are fighting a war together with India, Argentina and others. We can only defeat COVID-19 by defeating it everywhere. Our success in ending this pandemic hinges on the leadership of the United States and our ability to help allies in need.'