Getting to The Truth Behind the Zika Debate in Congress

Statement

VWith the recent outbreak of the mosquito borne Zika virus, which has spread at rapid rates across South America, Central America and the Caribbean, and has now entered the United States, there is an urgent need to provide the medical community with the proper funding to treat and prevent the spread of this virus.

Unfortunately, many politicians are in a dizzying spin to politicize the Zika crisis for no purpose other than to score political points. Even more disappointing is that elected officials have confused the American public with misinformation -- not because of any legitimate policy concerns, but to advance a political agenda. Zika is a major public health concern and combatting this virus is an issue that needs to transcend politics quickly in order to keep Americans safe.

Myth: Currently, there is no funding to combat Zika.

Fact: In April 2016, $589 million in unspent Ebola funding was transferred to combat Zika. Just recently, it was reported that only one-sixth of this available pot of money had been utilized.

Myth: The House of Representatives hasn't passed legislation to fund the effort to fight Zika.

Fact: On June 23, 2016, the House passed $1.1 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus.
So why hasn't that $1.1 billion been passed by the Senate yet and signed by the President? The answer unfortunately is politics. Instead of moving forward to pass this legislation, some prefer to politicize this issue to use as a campaign talking point to win elections this November.

There are Senators filibustering this bill in their chamber, twice blocking this bill from being voted on, even though it's the exact amount they were advocating for and previously voted in favor of.

These Senators have made various statements "explaining" why they are opposed to the legislation. They have claimed to be concerned with waiving a requirement to temporarily obtain EPA permits for the use of certain proven pesticides for mosquito eradication, but the language in the bill clearly states that all pesticides must already be approved and in compliance with federal regulations. Some say the legislation will cut funding to the Affordable Care Act; however, the funding in question is no longer being used. Others have charged that the bill hinders a woman's ability to access contraceptives and care because it does not specifically name Planned Parenthood. The fact is that the bill would allocate $40 million for community health centers, $95 million to the Social Services Grant program, and an additional $6 million to the National Health Services Corp., which would offer a broad spectrum of care options, including contraceptive services.

Zika represents an immediate threat to this nation which must be addressed. When the House first passed legislation with funding for Zika, 265 pregnant women had been diagnosed as having contracted the Zika virus. On July 28, 2016, when the CDC most recently published Zika infection figures, a mere 36 days later, that number rose to over 475 confirmed cases, nearly double the amount of diagnosed cases in barely a month's time.

Zika represents a clear and present threat to all American citizens; yet sadly, some members are only looking to use this debate to score political points. The longer the Senate refuses to act, the longer America suffers. Funding for Zika must come before politics and be granted immediately.

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