Florida’s two U.S. senators–Republicans Marco Rubio and Rick Scott–are championing the “Treatment Restoration for Emergency Antibody Therapeutics (TREAT) Act” on Capitol Hill.
Rubio introduced the bill on Tuesday with Scott as a co-sponsor. Other backers include Republican U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Mike Braun of Indiana, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama.
“This legislation would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from implementing policies that restrict hospitals and other appropriate healthcare facilities from ordering and receiving COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments directly from manufacturers and distributors. This legislation would nullify the Biden Administration’s recent policy requiring hospitals and other facilities to work through states to receive mAb supplies as well as cease the administration’s ability to throttle the state’s supply of this life-saving treatment,” Rubio’s office noted.
“This abrupt change in policy from the Biden administration is nothing but an attempt to punish Florida. We cannot let vindictive, politically motivated actions by this administration jeopardize the health and safety of Floridians and others,” Rubio said. “My bill would bring back fairness by allowing hospitals and other appropriate healthcare facilities to directly access this life-saving treatment from manufacturers.”
“As our nation works to fully recover from and end the coronavirus pandemic, we must ensure that Americans have access to all options for treatment and prevention, including the COVID-19 vaccine and proven monoclonal antibody treatments,” Scott said. “The Biden administration’s recent decision to implement restrictions on monoclonal antibody doses — making it harder for Floridians to receive this life-saving treatment – is unacceptable and unethical. When lives are at stake, no resources should be intentionally held back by the Biden administration through dangerous political games. I’m proud to join Senator Rubio in introducing the TREAT Act to make sure Florida receives effective COVID-19 treatments. I won’t accept anything less.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. So far, there is no companion measure in the U.S. House.
