WASHINGTON — A lack of new congressional funding could imperil the nation’s ability to respond to future coronavirus waves, the White House warned on Tuesday, even as prospects for passage of its $15.6 billion pandemic-response request appeared to be slim.

“We need this money,” a senior administration official told reporters during a press call on Tuesday, pointing to looming shortfalls in the ability to manufacture and widely distribute tests, therapeutics and vaccines. “Time is not on our side. We need this funding immediately.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addresses the media at the Capitol on Tuesday after an Equal Pay Day event. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images via Getty Images)

In an accompanying