Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s emergency supplemental funding request to fight the Zika virus:
“We have all watched with great and increasing concern as the Zika virus has spread across the Americas and into the United States. Given Zika’s impact on American citizens in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and its likely link to fetal abnormalities if contracted by pregnant women, a full and aggressive federal response is necessary.
“I will examine the request closely and work with Republicans and Democrats to ensure our public health agencies and multilateral organizations have the resources they need to halt Zika’s spread and treat those affected.
“Additionally, although the Administration has not yet submitted a request for supplemental funding to address toxic water, prevent lead poisoning, and treat those who were exposed in Flint, Michigan, I am closely monitoring efforts in Congress to add funding for infrastructure repairs, health care services, long-term studies, and more. Given the state role in causing this crisis and immoral inaction once dangers became evident, meaningful federal steps are critical to protect citizens’ health and repair trust in Flint and elsewhere."
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
