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Negotiations over legislation for funding to combat the Zika virus hit a new impasse Tuesday, heightening the chances that Congress will leave Washington for the summer without acting on a measure to stem the spread of the mosquito-borne illness. The stalemate hardened Tuesday when Senate Republicans rejected a new Democratic proposal aimed at finding a middle ground in the battle over Zika funding. 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. (Peterson and Armour, 7/12)

Among the changes pushed by Democrats: splitting the $1.1 billion Zika funding portion from the rest of the military and veterans funding measure; getting rid of a provision using Obamacare to offset some of the Zika cost; and striking references to the “social services block grant” — which Democrats say include offending provisions that go after Planned Parenthood. 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 and Haberkorn, 7/12)

McConnell fired back that "who is playing political games is in the eye of the beholder." "As a practical matter, if we were to repass the Senate bill it would not pass the House," he added. The rhetorical battle on the floor comes after McConnell and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) blocked the competing Zika proposals on the Senate floor on Monday afternoon. Senators have days to try to break the stalemate until they leave town until after Labor Day. (Carney, 7/12)

The Obama administration on Tuesday cautioned top lawmakers that continued gridlock over legislation to combat the Zika virus could delay research and development of a vaccine to protect against Zika and tests to detect it. The warning came in a letter from White House budget chief Shaun Donovan and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell and says that failure by Congress to pass anti-Zika funds before exiting Washington for its extended summer recess would "significantly impede the administration's ability to prepare for and respond" to the Zika threat this summer and beyond. (7/12)

Congress is within days of departing for a nearly eight-week summer recess with the Senate still angrily deadlocked over a $1.1 billion spending bill to help prevent the spread of the dreaded Zika virus. The House and Senate are scheduled to adjourn by Friday so that members can attend the Republican and Democratic National Conventions and then depart for the month of August for their annual summer recess. This all comes six months after President Obama and U.S. public health officials first urged lawmakers to respond to the mounting crisis. Absent some last minute turnabout, the Senate will put off approval of Zika funding until lawmakers return to work in September, according to The Hill. (Pianin, 7/12)

Columbus health officials have confirmed a second case of the Zika virus. Jose Rodriguez, spokesman for Columbus Public Health, said a woman in her 20s who traveled to St. Lucia reported having symptoms to her physician when she returned. A test was performed and it came back positive late Monday, he said. (Somerson, 7/12)