Cole Supports Zika Response Bill

Washington, DC – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5243, the Zika Response Appropriations Act, to confront the Zika virus and prevent its spread. Cole is an original co-sponsor of the bill and a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

The $622.1 million response measure is fully paid for through the current fiscal year by redirecting unused funds for Ebola and unused administrative costs at the U.S. Department of Heath of Human Services (HHS). The bill funds research, prevention and awareness efforts at the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development. Any additional dollars needed for combating Zika will be fulfilled during the annual appropriations process for fiscal year 2017.

"In the midst of an ever-changing health crisis, I am pleased that the House offered a thoughtful, reasoned and responsible solution for combating the Zika virus both at home and abroad," said Cole. "Unlike the president's request, the funding measure passed by the House is fully paid for and matches dollars with the immediate needs for research, prevention and treatment. Unfortunately, the president has not only failed to provide adequate detail for how he intends to spend the money he requested, but his request would irresponsibly add to the national debt.

"Beyond the measure passed this week, it is also important to set the record straight on what has already been done to respond to Zika. For Democrats to suggest that the Administration hasn't already had adequate funding available to immediately confront the emergency is untrue. In addition to the funding measure passed by the House, nearly $600 million has already been deployed for this purpose and been at the disposal of the Administration for dealing with the crisis—using money left over for Ebola and unused HHS administrative costs. Moreover, hundreds of millions of dollars will be considered and dedicated through annual appropriations bills to deal with the ongoing Zika crisis. The real difference between the Administration's approach and the Republican approach is that Republicans actually pay for the necessary activities, including vaccine development and mosquito control, without adding to the national debt.

"Certainly, Congress is ready and willing to ensure immediate and effective response to eradicating the Zika virus in order to protect those most vulnerable. I am pleased that lawmakers in the House did just that in a fiscally responsible manner," concluded Cole.

Cole managed the rule for consideration of H.R. 5243 earlier today. Video of his opening remarks is available here.

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