DeLauro Statement On Depletion Of Current Zika Funding

WASHINGTON, DC (August 16, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that federal funds to fight the Zika virus are nearly depleted.

“We are running out of time and we are running out of money. We cannot continue to fight the Zika virus on a shoestring budget, shift budgets around and deprive other public health priorities, and force our nation’s top scientists and researchers to work on budgetary fumes.

“Speaker Ryan has shown extraordinary carelessness in delaying funding for the President’s emergency request. While he gaveled the House out of session for the longest recess in decades, the American people are suffering. Across the U.S., couples are delaying pregnancy, expectant mothers are concerned about the health of their children, and the devastating results of our inaction are clearer than ever as children are born with microcephaly.

“When Congress returns next week, our first order of business must be to fund a robust response to the Zika virus. We are in the midst of a rapidly escalating public health emergency and Republicans must immediately join Democrats in fighting to protect the American people.”

As of last week, there have been more than 11,500 cases of the Zika virus reported in the U.S. and its territories, including nearly 1,400 expectant mothers. These cases are likely vastly underreported, as only 1 in 5 people experience symptoms from the Zika virus.