. @AsaHutchinson said in today’s Covid-19 press conference that he believes national leaders should invoke the Defense Production Act to help address an increasing shortage in testing supplies.

The gov pointed to national shortages and the state’s reliance on private labs for most of its testing. On average, more than 80% of Arkansas’ daily tests are done by private labs.

He cited testing backlogs in commercial labs of 7 days or more and called for a national approach.

“We need to make sure that we are looking ahead, not just to this month, but to next month as we continue to expand testing to increase that supply chain of testing supplies so that we don’t run into those chokepoints that the hospitals are worried about,” Gov. Hutchinson said.

When asked by a reporter if he’d brought his request up to Vice President Mike Pence, Gov. Hutchinson said he had not yet done so but looked forward to having an opportunity to discuss it with the White House.

His comments start at 32:13 if you want to listen.