[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H5076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      LET'S STOP PLAYING POLITICS

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, over the August work recess, I met with 
many constituents, but I also met with my regional Zika task force that 
included health professionals from the public and private sector who 
recognize the devastation of the Zika virus.
  In the continental United States, there are over 2,000 cases. Over 
600 pregnant mothers have been impacted by the Zika virus with yet 
unborn children, and then there are about 30-plus cases of transmission 
right here in the United States. And yet tonight the other body failed 
to pass the Zika funding. Now is the time.
  My committee was very constructive. Dr. Persse from the city of 
Houston talked about surveillance of those coming into their clinics to 
determine whether they have been impacted by fever and a rash. We have 
talked about the vaccine and also a Zika act to be able to give 
information to those who are in need of knowing how to prevent it.
  Yet the funding is not here. Why? Because we cannot pass a clean Zika 
funding, emergency funding, without riders.
  Let's stop playing politics. Pass the Zika funding. The health 
professionals insist on it. People are dying.

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