DeLauro Statement on the Latest Ebola Case and Fighting the Zika Virus

WASHINGTON, DC (April 1, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the most recent flare-up of the Ebola virus in West Africa, which has seen new cases in Liberia and Guinea.

"Ebola's continued presence in West Africa is another sign that we absolutely cannot divert funds away from fighting the disease. The money appropriated for the CDC to fight Ebola is meant to be spent over the next five years to build public health infrastructure and it is a critical investment. These flare-ups come at the same time that the CDC has called the Zika virus an ‘unprecedented situation' and said that it needs more funding to fight the outbreak.

"Congress must pass an emergency supplemental appropriations request to address the Zika virus and it should not divert funding away from fighting Ebola. The CDC has reiterated time after time that it needs to have resources before an outbreak develops into a crisis and we have to act now. With the Zika virus an epidemic in Puerto Rico and looming as a major threat for the U.S. mainland as summer approaches, Congress must address the issue immediately.

"Congress should also pass the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Act, which would fund the public health emergency fund and help us fight the spread of life-threatening diseases. By allocating funding ahead of time, we can better prepare for and respond to these events. The U.S. prepares for disasters like hurricanes, and there is no reason why we should not do the same for outbreaks of disease."

DeLauro has repeatedly called on Congress to pass the President's request, most recently calling out Speaker Ryan's comments and highlighting the CDC's work during a FY 2017 budget hearing.

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