Cole Supports Zika Vector Control Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives this week passed H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act. The legislation temporarily suspends a duplicative permit for spraying entities currently required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) since pesticides are already regulated by the Federal Fungicide, Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Removing this duplicative permit requirement makes it easier for entities to immediately spray for and control mosquitoes in order to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

"I am pleased that House Republicans again proved their commitment to responsibly fighting the Zika virus by passing the Zika Vector Control Act," said Cole. "In the midst of a national health emergency, this legislation is a commonsense measure that quickens mosquito control efforts by empowering spraying entities to kill mosquitoes without being unnecessarily slowed down by needless and expensive government regulation. It's a smart piece of legislation that puts public health and those most vulnerable to Zika ahead of government bureaucracy."

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