President Obama Proposes $1.8 Billion in Emergency Zika Funds

White House file image.

President Obama asked Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency funding to aid in the combat against the zika virus.

The funds would aid mosquito control programs, vaccine research, education, and improving health care for low-income pregnant women.

Last week, Senator Brian Schatz, along with 45 Senate Democrats, wrote the President urging for a coordinated interagency response plan to address the virus’ spread.

On Tuesday, Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, commended the administration’s proposal of $1.8 billion to fight the Zika virus.

“I’m pleased that the administration is aggressively responding to the Zika outbreaks and is working to protect Americans from this devastating virus,” said Senator Schatz.  “We should quickly approve these funds, which will give our communities, states, and health professionals at home and around the world the resources needed to address Zika.”

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that spread throughout the Americas and has been linked with neurological ailments that have been known to cause paralysis and birth defects.

The Centers for Disease Control has issued its highest alert level for Zika, while the World Health Organization has declared it a “global health emergency.”