Members of Florida’s congressional delegation applauded the passage of a continuing resolution (CR) that would allocate $1.1 billion to fight the spread of Zika virus at home and abroad.
The CR, which would fund government operations through December, will allocate $933 million to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and $397 million for the National Institutes of Health for vaccine and diagnostic development. After passing both chambers of Congress on Wednesday, President Barack Obama signed the CR into law on Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) called the inclusion of Zika funding in the CR a “great victory for our community” that was achieved by working together.
“I witnessed all of the Florida delegation — every day that we were in session — talking to colleagues from all over the country and explaining to them that this is not only a major public health crisis for South Florida, but also an economic crisis,” Curbelo said. “We have seen the impacts from Miami Beach to Wynwood to Orlando, down to the Florida Keys, and we needed to get something done for the community. Democracy is messy. Congress sometimes takes longer — often times takes longer — to do things than we would like, but the key is for Republicans and Democrats to come together when our communities’ interests are at stake, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) said that it was “disgraceful” that it took Congress so long to respond to the deadly health crisis posed by Zika.
“It shouldn’t have taken this long, but I’m thankful Congress finally took action to stop Zika,” Buchanan said. “This funding will go a long way towards protecting vulnerable pregnant women and their newborns.”
Zika funding in the CR includes $15 million to help states control local transmissions, and $60 million for U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, which has the highest number of infected Americans.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said that the bill “rightfully” prioritizes Americans in Florida and Puerto Rico.
“I’m encouraged my calls for action have been answered, and that real assistance from the federal government is finally on its way,” Rubio said. “It’s shameful it took so long and that this public health crisis was made worse by people playing political games in Washington. But I’m glad these critical resources are now moving forward so we can help the thousands of Americans suffering from this virus, step up our mosquito eradication efforts, and develop a vaccine to eradicate Zika for good.”