The Hill: Senators block dueling Zika proposals for second day
“Senators blocked dueling proposals funding a response to the Zika virus for the second time this week with days left before lawmakers leave for a recess that lasts until September. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) tried to bring up the $1.1 billion deal spearheaded by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), but Majority Leader Mitch McConnell objected. The Kentucky Republican, in turn, tried to bring up a GOP-supported conference report, but Nelson objected…” (Carney, 7/12).

The Hill: Reid: McConnell ‘stringing us along’ on Zika
“Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) ripped Republicans over a stalemate over funding to combat the Zika virus Tuesday, the latest sign the issue will likely be punted into the fall. ‘It’s clear that the Republican leader [Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell] has been stringing us along. He never had any intention of coming back to the negotiating table,’ Reid said from the Senate floor. ‘Republicans have no desire to work with us … now, or any time in the future. It’s all been a charade’…” (Carney, 7/12).

POLITICO: Senate war escalates over Zika
“…In a pitch to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) called for striking several provisions in the Zika measure loathed by Democrats. … But Republicans have made it clear that the only Zika measure that can be sent to the White House before recess is the one passed by the GOP-controlled House — over Democratic objections…” (Kim/Haberkorn, 7/12).

Wall Street Journal: Zika Stalemate Hardens as Senate Republicans Reject New Democratic Proposal
“…Congress is expected to adjourn Friday for a seven-week recess through Labor Day and there was little evidence Tuesday that any bipartisan agreement would arrive before week’s end. … President Barack Obama is expected to veto the GOP-backed Zika bill if it were to pass both chambers. If Congress is unable to approve any new Zika funding, the administration’s efforts to stop the virus will be interrupted…” (Peterson/Armour, 7/12).