Pelosi Statement on White House Letter to Republican Leadership on Zika

April 26, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan and National Security Advisor Susan Rice wrote to Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell urging swift action on a Zika emergency supplemental to fully meet the President's request of $1.9 billion:

"For 64 days and counting, the Republican Congress has refused to act on the President's urgent request for an emergency supplemental to protect Americans from the growing threat of the Zika virus. We have learned more and more about the danger Zika presents to expectant mothers, but the Republican Congress refuses to do its job and protect American families from the terrible effects of this disease.

"As the letter indicates, there are already almost 900 Americans, including more than 80 pregnant women with confirmed cases of Zika. The CDC has confirmed that Zika is linked to irreversible birth defects. Yet over and over again, Republicans have decided to block the emergency resources so urgently needed to protect American communities.

"We must quickly and fully fund the President's emergency request to fight Zika. Republicans' radical and dangerous refusal to address the threat of Zika in a timely way could have tragic consequences for families across America. While House Republicans plan to leave for yet another week without acting on Zika, Democrats will continue to demand Congress protect American communities."