DeLauro Statement on the Senate’s Rejection of the Zika Conference Report

WASHINGTON, DC (June 28, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s continued inaction on the Zika virus, as well as the House of Representative’s decision to underfund the response.

“With the Senate and the House having both voted against fully funding the Administration’s $1.9 billion emergency request, Republicans in Congress are making a grave mistake. The Zika virus is a true public health emergency, with more than 2,600 people, including almost 500 pregnant women, suffering from the virus in the United States and its territories.

“And while Members of Congress grill hamburgers and hot dogs in their home districts during the Fourth of July recess, millions more Americans are at risk of contracting the Zika virus due to Congress’s inaction.

“Republicans must immediately return to the negotiating table, fully fund the Administration’s request, and give the public health professionals the resources they need. The American people sent us to Congress to act, not to tell them, ‘You’re on your own.’”

DeLauro has repeatedly called on Congress to fully fund the Administration’s $1.9 billion request to address the Zika virus. As a member of the Zika conference committee, DeLauro fought for full funding in the conference report, but Republicans continued their efforts to underfund this public health emergency.

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