Sheila Jackson Lee: “Over the August work recess, I met with many constituents, but I also met with my regional Zika task force that included…”

“Over the August work recess, I met with many constituents, but I also met with my regional Zika task force that included health professionals from the public and private sector who recognize the devastation of the Zika virus. In the continental United States, there are over 2,000 cases. Over 600 pregnant mothers have been impacted by the Zika virus with yet unborn children, and then there are about 30-plus cases of transmission right here in the United States. And yet tonight the other body failed to pass the Zika funding. Now is the time. My committee was very constructive. Dr. Persse from the city of Houston talked about surveillance of those coming into their clinics to determine whether they have been impacted by fever and a rash. We have talked about the vaccine and also a Zika act to be able to give information to those who are in need of knowing how to prevent it. Yet the funding is not here. Why? Because we cannot pass a clean Zika funding, emergency funding, without riders. Let's stop playing politics. Pass the Zika funding. The health professionals insist on it. People are dying. ____________________”