Pelosi Statement on House Republicans Blocking Emergency Funding to Fight Zika

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Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee blocked an emergency funding amendment offered by Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey, Labor-HHS Subcommittee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro  and Legislative Branch Subcommittee Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz to address the Zika virus:

“Today, House Republicans blocked meaningful action on the Zika epidemic that may soon threaten to infect expectant mothers across our country.  Republicans’ appalling fecklessness in the face of this frightening public health emergency is beyond dangerous: it could have devastating consequences for thousands of American children and families.  Ebola funds are being committed to find cures and help contain any future outbreak from reaching our shores.  Ebola cases have resurfaced in Africa, and could resurface in America at any time so we must to be ready.

“Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico are already on the front lines of this epidemic, and the mainland of the United States will not be far behind.  The growing danger of Zika demands a robust, proactive response to safeguard the health of American communities – and we must act now, while we still have a window of opportunity.

“It is incomprehensible that House Republicans are standing in the way of efforts to protect the American people from the Zika virus.  Democrats will continue to fight for swiftly and fully funding the President’s emergency request for resources to fight this serious threat to American mothers and children.  House Republicans must snap out of their dangerous apathy and approve the emergency funds needed to fight Zika and protect American communities.”