Pelosi Statement on Zika Transmission in U.S.

Statement

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the first-ever transmission of the Zika virus by local mosquitos on the United States mainland, with four confirmed cases of local transmission in Florida:

"More than five months after the President requested emergency resources to protect American communities from Zika, we now have reports that local mosquitos are spreading the Zika virus on the U.S. mainland. Yet, with more than 5,230 Americans -- including more than 770 pregnant women -- as confirmed Zika cases, the Republican Congress has left town for seven weeks having failed to provide the resources needed to protect the American people.

"A stronger America requires real leadership in moments of crises, yet Republicans are continuing their dangerous recklessness in the face of this public health threat. The Republican Leadership should immediately reconvene the Congress to pass the bipartisan Zika funding bill that passed the Senate by a vote of 89 to 8 on May 19 -- a bill that provides $1.1 billion in emergency resources to fight the Zika virus with no poison pills. There is no time to waste.

"For Floridians facing this new threat now and for expectant mothers and families across America who are concerned about the threat of Zika, this Republican Congress must act. Now is the time to join with Democrats to create a safer, healthier, stronger America."

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