News

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued the following statement after reports of the first U.S. Zika death in Puerto Rico:

“This is another wake-up call that both parties in Congress better get it together to address the Zika virus that’s impacting more people, more states, more unborn children and now taking lives. This time it is an American who has lost their life to Zika, but many more lives are at risk, especially those of unborn children. My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Zika’s first victim in Puerto Rico.”

Background

• Earlier this month, Rubio announced his support for the $1.9 billion request to combat the Zika virus during a press conference following a briefing with state, local and Puerto Rican officials and health experts. He stressed the importance that taxpayer money only be spent on programs to combat the Zika virus.
• Following reports of a Zika virus testing backlog, Rubio sent a letter urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to use whatever steps necessary to dedicate currently available resources to clearing its current backlog, and to prioritize completing tests for women who are pregnant.
• Rubio reiterated the seriousness of the Zika virus in a floor speech, following several new research developments and urged Congress to quickly take action in fighting the virus.
• Rubio took to the Senate floor again to continue to urge Congress to address the growing threat of Zika.
• In a Senate floor speech last night, Rubio pressured his colleagues to have a sense of urgency in dealing with the Zika virus. He warned that the virus is a real  threat to all Americans and requires responsible action by Congress.