Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise in support of emergency supplemental funding for Federal efforts to combat the impending threat of the Zika virus. Reports of the spread of this virus are concerning. Actually, they are troubling, not just for public health officials but for many Americans who are reading about it in the paper and seeing coverage of it in the news almost by the hour. Families are reconsidering vacations they had planned, especially to more tropical locations. As we approach the mosquito season, people are understandably worried about how this outbreak will affect them and their families, not just to go on a vacation and camping but literally to go outside and have a cookout or eat out on the porch. We need to continue working to fully understand and combat the health risks that are posed by Zika. Just like our response to Ebola, our response to Zika must be an all-hands-on-deck effort. In February, President Obama submitted a $1.9 billion emergency supplemental funding request to Congress to bolster programs and activities which would curb the spread of this virus. Given the real threat posed by Zika, I support the funding level requested by the President. I intend to vote for the amendment offered by our colleague from Florida, Senator Nelson, which would fully fund this request. With that being said, I understand that a bipartisan agreement on funding has been reached between Senator Blunt and Senator Murray, which would provide $1.1 billion toward the Zika effort.…”