FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2016
CONTACT
Yasmine Evans (Edwards)--202-225-8699
Edwards Statement on H.R. 897, Zika Vector Control Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) delivered the following statement on the Floor of the House of Representatives on H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act. The legislation was considered under suspension of the rules, a parliamentary procedure requiring a vote of two-thirds of the Members present and voting that is usually reserved for considering non-controversial measures expeditiously. H.R. 897 was defeated under suspension by a vote of 262-159.
Below is an excerpt from Rep. Edwards’ statement as prepared for delivery:
Mr. /Madam Speaker, I rise in STRONG opposition to the House considering H.R. 897, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, that House Republicans have incorrectly and misleading renamed the “Zika Vector Control Act.”
In past Congresses, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have used the public health emergency de jour as rationale to pass and enact this legislation into law. At one time they cited West Nile Virus, the next western wildland fire suppression, and last Congress it was the drought. Now, in nothing less than a purely political move, Republicans are considering this bill on suspension, but under the guise of combatting the spread of Zika.
Let’s be clear, this bill has nothing to do with Zika or trying to stop the threat of the Zika virus. And despite claims made by my colleagues to the contrary, the permit already in effect allows spraying for Zika or other mosquito control programs.
H.R. 897 is simply another attack on the Clean Water Act as part of the Republican’s anti-environmental, deregulatory agenda.
I urge my colleagues to vote down today’s legislation and let us take up full funding of the President’s $1.9 billion emergency funding request he made in February. If we did so, we would be fulfilling our duty as members of Congress to protect our nation and our constituent’s public health.
To read Rep. Edwards’ floor statement, please click here.
To view Rep. Edwards' floor statement, please click here.
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