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Pelosi Statement on Announcement of Zika Emergency Supplemental Discharge Petition

June 21, 2016

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Democrats announced plans to file a discharge petition on legislation providing the President’s full $1.9 billion emergency supplemental appropriations request to fight the Zika virus:

“It has been almost four months since the President submitted his emergency request for the resources needed to protect American communities from the Zika virus. Yet, even with nearly 2,200 Americans – including more than 400 pregnant women— as confirmed Zika cases, Republicans are recklessly obstructing the resources needed to make a difference.

“America’s expectant mothers cannot afford more reckless Republican half measures and obstruction. Today, House Democrats are filing a discharge petition to force a vote for the full $1.9 billion in emergency resources that top U.S. public health officials tell us is necessary to protect American communities from Zika.

“House Republicans have voted seven times to block the emergency funds to confront this public health crisis. Now, Republicans are planning to leave Washington, again, without providing communities with the resources needed to protect families from Zika. The American people are fed up with the Republican Congress’ indefensible refusal to protect the health and safety of the American people. We will continue to call on our Republican colleagues to ‘do your job’ and give us a vote on the full $1.9 billion request.”

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Issues:Health Care