Congress To Vote On Zika Funding; Bills Far Short Of Obama's Request

"WASHINGTON — After more than three months of fighting between the White House and Congress over emergency funding to combat the Zika virus, the Senate appears poised Tuesday to approve $1.1 billion for prevention and treatment programs to combat the mosquito-borne illness.

But the Senate compromise, which falls short of the $1.9 billion the White House is seeking, could be quickly derailed in the House. Republican House leaders introduced legislation Monday that would provide $622 million to combat Zika — about $1.3 billion less than federal health officials say they need. The House is expected to take up its bill this week.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the disagreement over funding levels means that Zika will most likely hit the continental U.S. this summer while Congress is still haggling over money. So far, Americans living in the continental U.S. have acquired the virus only by traveling overseas to Caribbean and South American countries."

Erin Kelly reports for USA TODAY May 16, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"House Zika Bill Would Provide Less Than Half Of White House Request" (STAT)

"House And Senate At Odds On Zika Funding Plans" (CNN)

"Senate Likely To Advance $1.1 Billion In Zika Funding" (AP)

Source: USA TODAY, 05/17/2016