Press Releases

Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (Ga-01) joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve immediate funding to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in the United States. The legislation will stop the virus at its source by funding mosquito control at home and abroad, helps get vaccines and diagnostic tests online quickly and safely, and provides funds to states to care for mothers and infants with Zika.

"Without action, this public health crisis will continue to spread putting all Georgians at risk,” said Carter.“I am committed to providing authorities with the resources necessary to protect the public and combat this disease at its source. This legislation allows work to begin immediately on proven methods while giving the Administration time to produce a more comprehensive plan that we have been waiting on for months.”

While the Obama Administration has requested $1.9 billion to combat Zika, it has failed to provide any justification or action plan for the funding despite repeated calls from Congress. The legislation passed by the House provides provides $622.1 million for the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Department, and USAID to fight and prevent the spread of the Zika virus. The funding would be available immediately and is entirely offset. Additionally, H.R. 5243 contains strong oversight measures to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

Carter pledged to work on a bipartisan basis for additional funding as needed once a more specific action plan is provided.

“We are in the middle of the regular appropriations process which gives us an opportunity to consider a longer-term approach through regular order,” he said. “I for one am not for writing blank checks under the guise of a crisis without some accountability as to how taxpayer dollars are going to be used.”