$1.1 Billion in New Zika Funds Approved by Republican Lawmakers

The House of Representatives approved $1.1 billion to be used for funding the fight against the Zika virus. United States President Barack Obama called for $1.9 billion in funding, but Republicans approved far less than the president’s request. Democrats are angered by the approval after Republicans cut funding from other places to pay for the fight against the Zika virus.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, stated, “It is a responsible plan that assures the administration will continue to have the needed resources to protect the public.”

The White House reiterated that the allocation of funding fell short by nearly $1 billion, according to estimates from public health experts. The plan also “steals” funding from other necessary health measures, according to the White House.

Funding shortfalls will limit birth control for women that are hoping to prevent the Zika virus. Josh Earnest, White House press secretary, states that this is a “clear indication that they don’t take seriously the threat from the Zika virus.”

The funding for the bill will come from $543 million in funds set aside for the implementation of Obamacare, $107 million in funds set aside to fight the Ebola virus and an additional $100 million in unused funds from the Department of Health and Human Services.