"$1.1 Billion Deal Reached By US Senators To Fight Zika Virus"

"WASHINGTON — Top Senate negotiators announced agreement Thursday on a $1.1 billion emergency funding measure to battle the Zika virus. That’s less than President Barack Obama’s $1.9 billion request, which has upset some senior Democrats.

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) told reporters that she still prefers Obama’s proposal but has reached agreement with Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) on the smaller measure, which is likely to be added next week to a bill funding veterans and transportation programs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) immediately set up a floor vote on the measure for next week.

The administration requested emergency funding to battle Zika in February, but Republicans controlling Congress have been slow to react , and instead forced the administration last month to tap more than $500 million worth of unspent Ebola funding to battle Zika. The compromise measure fails to restore most of that money."

The Associated Press had the story May 12, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Senate Reaches Deal On Zika Funding, Will Vote Tuesday" (Washington Post)

"Florida Senators Unite On Demand For Emergency Zika Funding" (McClatchy)

"Mayor Mitch Landrieu Urges Congress To Appropriate Money For Zika Fight: 'It Is Not A Matter Of If But When.’" (New Orleans Advocate)

"Senate Deal Reached On Reduced Zika Funds, But Florida Senators Still Seek Full Amount" (Tampa Bay Times)