Ted Deutch: “I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I thank my Republican colleagues for joining here on this vitally important issue.…”

“I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I thank my Republican colleagues for joining here on this vitally important issue. I rise to call for a vote on a Zika funding bill that is free of partisan hot button issues and that is free of political gamesmanship. I am proud to join in this call for action with my Florida colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike. We have come together-- above partisan divisions--to support the administration's request for emergency Zika funding. Our ability to come together and the refusal of the rest of this Congress to do the same is telling. South Florida is actively fighting outbreaks in South Beach and Wynwood. There are cases in Broward County, and there are cases in Palm Beach County, and we have seen locally acquired cases in my home district. My constituents and the constituents of my colleagues throughout Florida are feeling the anxiety and the fear that come when there is so much that is out of their control. It is time for Congress to do all that we can to help stop the spread of this virus. This Congress' inaction is hurting Florida's families. As Representative Curbelo pointed out, it is hurting our economy. I have three children. My twin daughters are just settling back in to start a new year of college. Today, by the way--I share with my Florida colleagues--they are celebrating their 21st birthday.…”