Ted Deutch: “What will we tell American families when their child is born with microcephaly caused by the Zika virus? It is not a…”

“What will we tell American families when their child is born with microcephaly caused by the Zika virus? It is not a hypothetical question. Families in Puerto Rico are already answering it. Over 276 travel-related cases of Zika have been reported in my home State of Florida, 43 cases affecting pregnant women. In Florida, we are on the front line and we are at risk of local outbreaks. The Florida delegation on both sides of the aisle supports funding to prepare for and prevent local infections, but we still don't have a bill. Over the 7-week recess, while Federal, State, and local officials try to prepare for Zika without the resources they need, we will need to prepare answers for these families. Did we do all that we could to prevent an outbreak? Did we follow recommendations from scientists and infectious disease experts? Did we assure women that they don't need to be afraid to become pregnant in my State of Florida? I wish we could say that the leadership of this Congress put the health and security of American families above partisan politics. I hope, and they better hope, that it is not too late. ____________________”