John Boozman: “Certainly as an Arkansan I am very aware of the West Nile disease. My brother, Fay Boozman, the Director of Arkansas'…”

“Certainly as an Arkansan I am very aware of the West Nile disease. My brother, Fay Boozman, the Director of Arkansas' Health Department, testified before a Congressional committee that it is very possible that more Arkansans will be infected with the West Nile virus this year. This estimate reflects the fact that the number of cases has steadily increased in Arkansas since the West Nile virus first appeared in 2001. Arkansas is certainly not alone in this trend. In fact, epidemiologists expect that in the upcoming season the virus will reach all 48 contiguous States, which is why Congress needs to act now. States like Arkansas cannot afford to dip into their emergency funds to combat the spread of West Nile virus. This bill will help States and localities fight this virus by authorizing matching grants of up to $100,000 for their mosquito abatement programs. I encourage my colleagues to pass this bill and provide much needed relief to our State and local governments who are on the front lines of this fight.”