U.S. Governors Urge Congress To Approve Emergency Zika Funding; White House Warns Puerto Rico’s Debt Crisis Could Inhibit Response

Associated Press: Mosquito season brings no urgency for money to fight Zika
“The White House and Democrats are pressuring congressional Republicans to act on President Barack Obama’s demands for money to combat Zika, but even the onset of mosquito season that probably will spread the virus has failed to create a sense of urgency…” (5/9).

The Hill: Governors urge Congress to act on Zika funding
“The nation’s governors are pressing Congress for ‘swift’ action to approve new funding to fight the Zika virus. ‘As Congress returns from recess today, the nation’s governors urge the administration and Congress to work together to reach agreement on the appropriate funding levels needed to prepare for and combat the Zika virus,’ the National Governors Association (NGA) said in a statement…” (Sullivan, 5/9).

POLITICO: Governors push Congress to approve emergency Zika funding
“…The governors’ message comes as lawmakers on Capitol Hill are at an impasse over what to do about Zika. Democrats are pushing the president’s request to immediately approve $1.9 billion in emergency funding to fight the mosquito-borne virus, while many Republicans say they need more detail from the agencies about how the new money will be spent before they approve it…” (Ehley, 5/9).

Reuters: White House: Puerto Rico debt crisis could hamper Zika response
“The White House said on Monday it was concerned the debt crisis confronting Puerto Rico could hamper its ability to deal with the potential public health crisis caused by the spread of the Zika virus, which has sickened nearly people 700 on the island…” (Rampton/Alexander, 5/9).

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