Senate report spotlights systemic problems behind U.S. early COVID response missteps

Senate report spotlights systemic problems behind early COVID response missteps The 242-page document is the latest to retrace early U.S. shortcomings to address the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. CBS News

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While some of the details are new, the report's authors acknowledge several of their ultimate findings stem from systemic problems known long before President Donald Trump took office.

"Many of the problems identified as part of the initial federal response are longstanding and remain unaddressed. For decades, insufficient funding across multiple administrations has impaired federal agencies' readiness and response capabilities, reducing sustainable investments in public health preparedness," write the report's authors.

In addition to calling for "sustainable multi-year funding" for public health preparedness and response, the committee's report also urges restructuring and reforms to clarify chains of command. It also highlights gaps in federal authority to resolve supply chain issues and collect data about the disease.

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