WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate approved $1.1 billion in emergency funding to fight the spread of the Zika virus. Brown had previously pushed Senate leaders and appropriators to approve President Obama’s full request for $1.9 billion.
“With warmer temperatures on the way, we’ve got to ensure that communities in Ohio and across the U.S. have the resources to raise awareness about Zika, prevent the spread of the disease, and accelerate the development of a vaccine,” said Brown. “This emergency funding is a good step, and though I’m disappointed we failed to match the President’s request, it is important we approve this funding now and not after it’s too late. This funding will help support our local and state health departments so they are prepared to fight Zika head on.”
Brown joined his democratic colleagues last month in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) calling for immediate passage of President Barack Obama’s emergency supplemental funding request for prevention and treatment of the Zika virus outbreak. The letter called on the Senate Appropriations committee to mark up the President’s emergency funding request as soon as possible to ensure swift passage by the full Senate and House.
Last month, Brown’s bill to encourage the timely development of a virus and treatment for Zika virus was signed into law.
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