U.S. congressional Democrats push for coronavirus medical supply czar

FILE PHOTO - The U.S. Capitol is seen reflected in an ambulance, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues in Washington, U.S., April 27, 2020. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional Democrats on Wednesday proposed a bill that would require a U.S. coronavirus supply czar to oversee critical medical supplies, while the top Senate Republican doubled down on demands for business protections.

Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives unveiled companion bills requiring the Pentagon to name a civilian officer to oversee the nation's supply and production of medical supplies and equipment needed to combat the spread of the new coronavirus.