Federal lawmakers hear update from FEMA on COVID-19 pandemic

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Federal lawmakers gave an update Tuesday, June 9, on the federal government's response and strategies to fighting COVID-19 during the global pandemic. 

Lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Johnson, were updated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the progress they've made and what they still need to do. 

FEMA was put in charge back in March, after President Donald Trump declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national disaster. 

Johnson said the federal government's national stockpile of PPE and medical equipment wasn't enough and they weren't prepared when the pandemic started, and they need to continue to build it. 

Johnson said they are doing three million tests a week, and have done 20 million so far but they need to increase those numbers. 

Federal officials say they have created more than 400 drive-thru testing sites throughout the country. 

Johnson praised FEMA for its efforts during Tuesday's committee meeting. 

"It was never on Earth. You know, no human had ever experienced it. We had no tests for it. We had to develop all these things from scratch. I just have to say well done. You guys did an extraordinary job. Not perfect,” Johnson said.

Officials say they hope to be capable of doing 40 million tests a week by September, in case there is a second spike in the fall.