Public Health Experts Distressed Over Zika Funding

Health officials were outraged that, after a stalemate with Congress, the Obama administration had to announce it would transfer Ebola money to the efforts to fight Zika, saying the lack of new funding could mean the virus wreaks more damage on the United States than it would have otherwise. Meanwhile Sen. Marco Rubio says he supports President Barack Obama's $1.9 billion request to battle the outbreak.

Public health experts are growing alarmed about a lack of new funds from Congress to fight the Zika virus. The White House this week said that it could not wait any longer for Congress to act, and shifted about $500 million in leftover Ebola funds over to fight Zika. But the White House said that is only a temporary solution, and raised pressure on congressional Republicans to fulfill the administration’s emergency request for $1.9 billion in new funds. (Sullivan, 4/10)

Florida health officials confirmed two new Zika virus infections on Friday — raising the statewide total to 84 cases, most in the nation — as former Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio said he supports President Obama's request to Congress for $1.9 billion in emergency funding to combat the spread of the infectious disease. Hosting a press conference with local and state officials at his Doral office, Rubio said ensuring the appropriate use of federal funds to combat Zika was the best way for the Obama administration to win the support of congressional Republicans, who broke for spring recess in March without acting on the president’s February request. (Chang, 4/8)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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