One Bronx congressman is giving the federal government a failing grade in its response to the monkeypox outbreak.

“Even though the federal government had the tools to contain the monkeypox virus, it fundamentally failed the American people,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres, who is now calling for an investigation.

Torres claims there is a stockpile of millions of doses of smallpox vaccines that he says could have been used against monkeypox because of the similarities between the two viruses.

Health officials say monkeypox continues to spread within the LGBTQ+ community, affecting mostly men.

Destination Tomorrow, an advocacy group for the gay, bisexual and trans community, says it’s been struggling to assist with monkeypox spread due to a lack of resources.

New Yorkers most at risk of contracting the virus say that getting an appointment has remained difficult despite the city’s Health Department opening three vaccine sites in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx on Sunday.

Advocates say more pop-up sites are needed, especially in underserved neighborhoods.

For more information on the spread, symptoms, and vaccine for monkeypox, click HERE.