Bilirakis Commends House Passage of Legislation to Address Zika Virus
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation to further address the Zika virus. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) released the following statement regarding the passing of this legislation:
"These bills will help us in our efforts to keep our nation safe," said Congressman Bilirakis. "In my district, we have had at least 4 confirmed cases of this virus. As we continue to learn more about the Zika virus, we must do all we can to proactively protect our communities."
On H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act: "Pesticide users across the U.S. are currently required to undergo a doubly regulated application process. Public health pesticide applications are essential in reducing and preventing outbreaks of diseases carried by mosquitos. This bill helps eliminate this costly and duplicative permitting process to better protect public health."
On H.R. 5243, theZika Response Appropriations Act: "This bill will help fight and prevent the spread of the Zika virus domestically and internationally. H.R. 5243 provides immediate funding for the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Department, and USAID to help fund mosquito control, get vaccines and diagnostics tests to patients quickly and safely, and help care for mothers and infants with Zika."
The Energy and Commerce Committee is working with stakeholders to address this major public health concern. Earlier this month, Congressman Bilirakis and his colleagues met with Florida Governor Rick Scott to discuss the Zika virus in Florida. More here.