Fighting the Growing Threat of Zika

Press Release

With the newly reported cases of Zika in Florida, there is a growing fear about the severity of the Zika virus. This is not something to be politicized, but something we must continue to fight. House Republicans prioritize safety for all Americans and worked to pass a bill, which was signed into law, to combat the cultivating threat of Zika.

Two of the ways Zika is transmitted are via mosquitos and during pregnancy. The first is human to human via an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitos, while playing a vital role in the ecology of many areas, also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. As they bite one individual who is infected, the mosquito also becomes infected and can then spread the virus to the next person they bite. The second method is from mother to child during pregnancy. This can cause microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other severe brain defects.

On June 23, 2016, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Zika Response Appropriations Act, which was a combined package with the Senate, passed the House with bipartisan support. This bill includes $1.1 billion in funding as well as other measures such as the one proposed by Ohio Congressman Bob Gibbs to reduce barriers to spray for mosquitoes. The total package verifies that the administration has the resources to protect the public and ensures legislative barriers did not get in the way of lifesaving measures.

All too often, partisan politics gets in the way of good policy. This is glaringly obvious as we saw Democrats walk out on their own funding bill, not once but twice this summer. Protecting the health of all Americans is an absolute priority for me, and House Republicans. This is why we passed comprehensive funding, as well as measures to alter pesticide spraying permit requirements. I encourage everyone to remain on alert through the summer months, when the virus will be most easily transmitted due to higher mosquito populations and heed CDC warnings. It is imperative that all hands are on deck as we fight the Zika virus, and I will continue to ensure all Americans' safety whether it is with public health or national security.

Source