Letter to the Honorable Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House - Democratic Conferees Urge Action on President's Full Zika Request Before Recess

Letter

As Members of the Conference Committee on Zika, we strongly urge the House of Representatives to consider H.R. 5044, which has 191 cosponsors, to fully fund efforts to combat the Zika virus. Our nation is facing a serious and growing public health crisis, and the majority should postpone its seven-week recess, spanning the peak of mosquito season, to enact legislation.

The Administration has repeatedly provided detailed information regarding how these funds will be spent. We cannot let politics stand in the way of promoting the health and safety of our constituents. Although most of those diagnosed with Zika in the continental United States contracted the virus overseas, the rising numbers of confirmed cases increases the chance that mosquitos will begin transmitting the virus between people in this nation. This virus is not only a threat to our health, especially pregnant mothers, but also a threat to our economy and our quality of life.

If we do not act immediately, more babies will be born with Zika-related microcephaly and we will be left to answer why we did not do more to help them. We must provide the necessary emergency funding for mosquito eradication and vector control, vaccine research, and our local community health centers so they can provide screenings and comprehensive health services.

It is deeply irresponsible for the House to recess without taking the necessary action to protect our constituents.