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Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) on Tuesday, May 25th, voted to pass the Zika Vector Control Act (H.R. 897), which removes federal regulatory barriers so that it is easier for our local communities to combat the spread of Zika through mosquito control. The Zika virus disease, which is primarily spread through infected mosquitoes, can cause serious birth defects and has been linked to severe fetal brain defects. While the Obama Administration oddly has threatened to veto the House’s latest effort to fight Zika, the legislation is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recent recommendation on preventing the spread of Zika through mosquito control (Vector Surveillance and Control).

“It is astonishing to me that the Obama Administration would prioritize government bureaucracy over killing mosquitoes and combating the Zika virus,” said Rep. Babin. “The Zika virus represents a serious health risk to the American people, and with temperatures on the rise and the amount of rain we have had in many parts of the country, it is crucial that we have every tool available to combat this public health threat. Our legislation would simply remove the bureaucratic hurdles and costs that were imposed by the Obama Administration back in 2009. It is extremely disappointing to see the President and the majority of Democrats in Congress putting government paperwork and permitting fees ahead of killing infected mosquitos and protecting human health. I will continue looking for every opportunity to address this serious health risk."

On May 18th, the House also passed the Zika Response Appropriations Act (H.R. 5243), which responsibly funds and fully pays for the federal government’s fight against the Zika virus. In addition, last month, the House passed S. 2512, which was signed into law by President Obama on April 19th, to accelerate the development of a vaccine and treatment for Zika.