April 1, 2020

The Honorable William Barr
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20530

The Honorable Joseph J. Simons
Chairman
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20580

Re: Price Gouging of N95 Masks at the Expense of Arizona’s First Responders
Dear Attorney General Barr and Chairman Simons:
We write today to bring to your attention an example of shameful, un-American conduct
on the part of a public safety supply vendor that is attempting to gouge prices for first responders
in our state. We have learned that a vendor who regularly supplies the City of Phoenix Fire and
Police Departments with life-saving medical supplies is attempting to charge the city nearly 600
percent more per N95 mask than the city was charged for the same equipment as recently as two
weeks ago.
This is price gouging, plain and simple, and we respectfully request the Department of
Justice and Federal Trade Commission open investigations immediately.
In addition, this vendor is requiring significant pre-payment for the masks rather than the
standard practice of billing upon receipt which leaves our first responders at further risk – and
unable to turn to a different vendor – if the equipment is not delivered on time.
The consequences extend beyond Phoenix’s borders. Because it is the largest city in the
region, Phoenix frequently places orders on behalf of 24 public safety agencies throughout
Maricopa County. We understand that some departments are days or weeks away from running
out of much-needed personal protective equipment.
Profiting from the coronavirus pandemic – especially in a manner that places our first
responders in harm’s way – is morally indefensible, and we commend the President for recently
issuing an Executive Order to combat price gouging. We respectfully encourage your prompt
attention to this matter and for your agencies to deliver justice for our first responders.
Sincerely,

Greg Stanton
Member of Congress

Ruben Gallego
Member of Congress