Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York, for her leadership on this issue. I join my colleagues in urging Congress to vote down this wholly inadequate legislation and take meaningful action to address the public health crisis the Centers for Disease Control called ``scarier than we originally thought'' and support the President's request. My home State of Florida leads the Nation in confirmed cases of the Zika virus, with 113 people infected already and counting. Florida health officials declared a state of emergency in February. As we head into mosquito season, as well as high travel season, we know the risk of Zika will rise. We have seen the heartbreaking images of babies born with microcephaly. As researchers are continuing to learn more about the different ways that Zika can be transmitted, it is critical that Congress provide the funding needed to thoroughly tackle this virus now. I am proud that we have transcended partisan lines in Florida at least. Senators Nelson and Rubio as well as Governor Scott have all been outspoken advocates in support of the President's request to fight this disease, which he made nearly 3 months ago. I have heard many of my House Republican colleagues acknowledge the devastating effects of this disease and the need for serious proposals to combat it. Sadly, the only serious part of the bill before us is how far it is from meeting our Nation's needs in overcoming this public health crisis.…”