Advocacy - Lab Advocate
The Senate and House of Representatives have passed legislation providing additional federal funding to fight the Zika virus. However, differences remain regarding how much funding will be allocated. The President has requested $1.9 billion in emergency funding, which would not count against any spending caps. The Senate agreed to a $1.1 billion package also without any strings attached. The House passed a much narrower bill of $622 million that offsets spending with money from other health programs. The President has stated that he would veto the House package. Next, a meeting between representatives from the two Chambers is needed to reach an accord. Although discussions have begun there is no set timeframe for concluding a deal. AACC has joined with the March of Dimes and other healthcare groups to support additional funding to fight the Zika virus.