Fla. Republicans Relent, Urge Colleagues To Strip Everything Other Than Zika From Funding Bill
The lawmakers are desperate to get the legislation passed. They're even willing to drop the Planned Parenthood fight that has been the main holdup in the Senate. Meanwhile, NARAL targets Marco Rubio over his stance on Zika-related abortions.
The Hill:
Florida GOP Ready To Retreat From Planned Parenthood Fight
Several House Republicans in Florida say they’re willing to concede defeat in their party’s months-long battle over Planned Parenthood if that’s what it takes to pass a $1.1 billion funding package for the Zika virus. With Zika spreading rapidly in south Florida, even some of the most conservative members of Congress say GOP leaders should strike a deal with Democrats to get emergency money to their home state. (Ferris, 9/3)
The Hill:
Florida Gov. Cancels Zika Funding Pitch To Congress
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), who expected to make a pitch to Congress for Zika funding on Tuesday, has cancelled his trip. In a statement Monday, the governor’s office said Scott will stay in Florida to continue monitoring response efforts to the damage caused by Hurricane Hermine, which hit Florida on Friday. The office said Scott’s previously scheduled trip to Washington, D.C., will be rescheduled for a future date. (Wheeler, 9/5)
Politico:
Rubio Hit For Opposing Abortions For Women With Zika
A prominent abortion rights group is attacking Marco Rubio over his opposition to abortion rights for women infected with the Zika virus. NARAL Pro-Choice America is spending $175,000 to air a TV ad in Orlando and West Palm Beach targeting the vulnerable incumbent starting Monday, according to a source familiar with the buy. While the Republican senator has voted for every Zika funding proposal to come through the Senate, the GOP majority has failed to approve new emergency spending to combat the mosquito-borne disease. (Everett and Gass, 9/6)
In other news on the virus —
Kaiser Health News:
Experts Say Stepped-Up Monitoring Is Crucial As Zika’s Threat Lasts Beyond A Baby’s Birth
As the Zika virus spreads both at home and abroad, new information is bringing to light how children — even those who at birth do not show obvious signs of impairment — are likely at a greater risk than previously believed. This possibility, experts say, is highlighting a need to better track the development and well-being of babies who may have been exposed to the virus in utero. (Luthra, 9/6)
Health News Florida:
How Long Do Zika Test Results Take? Actually 4-5 Weeks, According To Florida Department Of Health
For weeks, Florida Department of Health officials have said Zika test results will be available to patients in one to two weeks. In fact, as recently as Thursday afternoon, the department's daily Zika update gave the one- to two-week timeline. But in a town hall Thursday night, a department representative said results are actually taking much longer. (Stein, 9/5)
WLRN:
Finding Zika Mosquitoes Could Help Control Virus, FIU Professor Says
Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church hosted a public forum last night to inform residents about the Zika virus. Dr. Aileen Marty is a professor of infectious diseases at Florida International University. She led the discussion and answered questions about Zika prevention. (Kranz, 9/5)
McClatchy:
Freaking Out About Zika? West Nile Is The Real Killer
While the recent arrival in the U.S. of the Zika virus is getting most of the attention, public health experts consider West Nile to be a much more potent threat in California than Zika will ever be. (Cockerham, 9/5)