Pelosi Statement on Depletion of Funds to Fight Zika

Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden announced that CDC resources to combat Zika will be depleted by late September:

“In September, the CDC will run out of resources to fight Zika. With more than 11,525 Americans – including nearly 1,400 pregnant women – with confirmed cases of Zika, this Congress must act. Yet, amid this crisis, House Republicans have taken the longest summer recess in modern times.

“CDC Director Tom Frieden recently said, ‘we need Congress to act to allow us to respond effectively.’ When Congress reconvenes next week, it is critical that the Republican Leadership act swiftly to pass the Senate’s bipartisan Zika funding bill, which provides $1.1 billion in emergency resources to fight the Zika virus and contains no poison pills. The President requested emergency resources back in February.

“Expectant mothers, tourists, and families in Florida, Puerto Rico and across America deserve better than this continuing Republican recklessness. With more than two months left in this mosquito season, Congress must act to keep American families safe. House Democrats will continue to demand that these resources are made available to create a safer, healthier, stronger America.”

# # #