House Democrats have introduced legislation that would provide $1.9 billion to combat the Zika virus, just as a deal appears to be shaping up that might provide for just over $1 billion.
Democrats were thwarted by the GOP last week when they tried to attach $1.9 billion in emergency Zika funding to a 2017 spending bill.
On Monday, they introduced the measure as a standalone bill, which Democratic lawmakers said would be used “to mount a robust response to the Zika virus at home and abroad.” The mosquito-transmitted disease has been linked to birth defects in children.
President Obama requested the $1.9 billion on Feb. 22, but Republicans, who are in the majority, instead told the administration to start by using $590 million left over from the nation’s effort to combat the Ebola virus.
Republican lawmakers said they want the White House to provide more details about why they need more money and how they would use it.
The move by Democrats comes as Senate lawmakers close in on a bipartisan deal to provide an additional $1 billion to fight Zika.
In the House, Republicans say they are taking the threat of Zika seriously but did not promise to provide additional money beyond the left over Ebola funds. It’s unlikely the GOP will take up the Democrats’ spending bill.
“We need to find a vaccine,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. “And so we are going to have the kind of conversations about what form that goes through the appropriations process.”
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., moved to portray the GOP as failing to act swiftly to combat a dangerous health threat.
“While Republicans inexplicably block action to protect America’s expectant mothers from Zika, Democrats are continuing to demand the robust emergency resources American families need,” Pelosi said.
