John Boozman: “my brother Fay Boozman, the director of Arkansas's Department of Health, recently testified before a congressional…”

“my brother Fay Boozman, the director of Arkansas's Department of Health, recently testified before a congressional committee that it is very possible more Arkansans will be infected with the West Nile virus this year. Arkansas has seen six human cases of the virus so far, including one death. This time last year, Louisiana had only seen one human case. This year Louisiana has documented more than 260 cases. States like Arkansas cannot afford to dip into their emergency funds to combat the spread of West Nile every year. This bill will help States and localities fight this virus by authorizing matching grants by up to $100,000 for the mosquito abatement programs. I commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), chairman, and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. John) for their leadership in this area and for producing and introducing this bill in the House. I encourage my colleagues to pass this bill and provide much-needed relief to our State and local governments who are on the frontlines of this fight.”