On the recordSeptember 8, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we have got a public health crisis on our hands. We have to get funding to address the Zika crisis. We now have over 16,000 identified cases. It is a terrible virus, and we have to get ahead of this. As a doctor and public health expert, I understand the importance of giving our physicians, our healthcare professionals, and our scientists all the tools that they need. The NIH is doing magnificent work getting a vaccine up and running and into clinical trials, but we have to give them the resources; we have to get ahead of this. We also have to make sure all the patients have access to reproductive healthcare choices, like Planned Parenthood and other assets, so they can prevent the terrible effects of this virus on their fetuses and their babies. So it is incredibly important, let's get that funding out there. Let's stop playing politics with this, and let's get the help to the places that need it. It is a public health emergency. Let's do our job. ____________________





