DeLauro Statement on Repurposing Ebola Funds to Fight the Zika Virus

WASHINGTON, DC (April 6, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the plan to use funds appropriated for Ebola to fight the Zika virus.

"Rather than fully funding the President's request for money to fight the Zika virus, Republicans forced the Administration to rob Peter to pay Paul, leaving the health and safety of Americans at risk. I fear this will have dangerous and lasting public health consequences. The Zika virus is a public health threat that must be responded to forcefully, as the Administration has requested. We also cannot abandon our fight in West Africa where Ebola continues to flare-up.

"It is unconscionable that in the midst of two global health crises, we cannot appropriate funds to save lives. The Centers for Disease Control, the medical community, and experts around the country have warned us not to make this funding mistake, yet Republicans have thrown all caution to the wind in the name of towing the party line on budget cuts. Rather than take funding from other critical health programs, we should provide emergency funding now to fight the ZIka virus."

DeLauro has repeatedly called on Congress to pass the President's request, most recently calling attention to the ongoing Ebola flare-ups. In February 2016, she joined Congresswoman Lowey in stating that money set aside for Ebola should not be spent on the Zika virus. DeLauro is the senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

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