House Republican Vern Buchanan of Florida's 16th congressional district has become the first Republican in the House to support President Barack Obama's request for $1.9 billion in federal funds to combat the Zika virus.
The support from Rep. Buchanan comes mere days after the announcement of the first U.S. Zika-related death in Puerto Rico. Florida is at exceptional risk for Zika proliferation as warmer weather approaches.
"Instead of working together to protect Americans, Washington has descended into another partisan fight, with both parties blaming each other for inaction on a growing and deadly health threat," said Mr. Buchanan.
On April 6, the White House announced it would allocate $510 million in residual Ebola funds to combat Zika, but maintained that more money will be needed in the fight against the mosquito-borne virus. Republican leaders have called for more answers from the Obama administration regarding Zika before approving the president's request.
Find where in the U.S. Zika has been reported as of April 29 here.
More articles on the Zika virus:
FDA approves Quest Diagnostics' Zika test for emergency use
Baltimore's Zika plan places emphasis on prevention
Researchers explore link between climate change, Zika-carrying mosquitoes