With Zika in Illinois, It's Time to Pass Urgent Funding

Statement

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released a statement following news that the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 46 cases of the Zika virus occurring in the state, with several cases involving pregnant women:

"I have met with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Zika threat is real, and it's in our backyard. The House already passed funding to fight Zika--$1.1 billion--which includes important steps like spraying for mosquitos.

"Yet Senate Democrats have blocked the urgent funding to respond to this growing threat--twice--because it does not include money for Planned Parenthood and its affiliates which provide abortions. There is longstanding taxpayer opposition to funding abortions. Contrary to some misinformation out there, the House and Senate compromise bill contains health funding that includes birth control provided by Community Health Centers, hospitals, state health departments and Medicaid, including the Primary Care Association of Puerto Rico which operates in 84 sites. According to fact-checkers, Planned Parenthood affiliates don't fill any geographic gaps in health coverage for women.

"The health and safety of our citizens is at stake. Democrats must stop blocking funding for Zika research and mosquito eradication. Let's get this funding in the hands of our world class infectious disease experts."

Source