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Diaz-Balart: With Mosquito-Transmitted Cases Confirmed, POTUS Must Use Available Funds to Combat Zika

July 29, 2016

WASHINGTON – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) released the following statement after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health confirmed the first mosquito-transmitted Zika cases in the United States. All four cases are in Florida.

“It was only a matter of time before mosquito-transmitted Zika cases would appear in Florida. I’ve said time and time again that Florida had the potential to become ground zero for local transmission. Unfortunately, that has now become the case, and we must stop it before it gets worse. The House has passed legislation that would provide the necessary and immediate funds to combat the disease, yet Senate Democrats blocked legislation not once, but twice.

“I urge President Obama to use the funds that have already been repurposed to combat Zika. Instead of waiting idly for the right political opportunity, he must continue using the $590 million that is available, only a fraction of which has been spent. We must fund and spend every penny needed to prevent, combat, and treat this disease, and I will work with my colleagues to ensure this happens."


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