The Biden administration has diverted more than $2 billion from congressionally-authorized programs for COVID-19 testing, emergency medical supplies, and other health-care needs to provide shelter for the 45,000 unaccompanied migrant children who have so far crossed the US’ southern border this year as the border crisis continues to spiral.
According to Politico, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) diverted $850 million from funds set aside for testing in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill of President Joe Biden.
According to HHS spokesman Mark Weber, Secretary Xavier Becerra pulled $850 million more out of a fund meant to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile for medical gloves, goggles, medicines, and ventilators, and another $436 million out of other health initiatives of the government.
Reports noted that such transfers are legal, as long as Congress is notified of the reallocations.
