On the recordApril 28, 2016
let me just suggest that, contrary to what the Democratic leader has said, the questions I have asked about where their plan is are not nonsense, and let me demonstrate the specific questions which I have and which I think other responsible Senators are going to want answers to before we write a blank check for $1.9 billion to the administration, particularly when they already have access, as the Senator from Florida said, to the $589 million, which are unexpended Ebola funds. One of the questions I would like to get answers to--and I think we can then have a meaningful discussion and act responsibly--is, What specific activities are going to be funded by the $1.9 billion plan? For example, the bill from the Senator from Florida provides $743 million to the Centers for Disease Control. Is that for domestic activities? Is it focused on Puerto Rico? Is it for CDC international activities? And if so, where? The second question I have is, What are the agency's priorities? Continuing with the CDC issue, will they focus on vector control activities, outreach, and education? As we know, this is a mosquito- borne disease. It is not the only mosquito-borne disease, but unfortunately this mosquito has not only been present in Central and South America but is now, as the Democratic leader says, present in some of the more tropical climates, the warmer climates, including my State of Texas. So I take this personally and seriously.…
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