Top Republicans are calling for more answers from the Obama administration as they review the president's request for $1.9 billion to fight Zika, according to ABC News.
Republicans assert the administration hasn't answered all their budget questions regarding the proposed Zika funds. The opposition has stated they've provided enough information to merit approval of the $1.9 billion.
"We're working with them on it to figure out the exact right amount of money, how's it going to be spent, and I don't think in the end there's going to be any opposition to addressing what we think is going to be a fairly significant public health crisis," Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters on Tuesday, according to ABC News.
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama signed a bill designed to fast-track the production of a Zika vaccine — a bill White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest previously described as "two months late and $1.9 billion dollars short."
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 Zika.
Rep. Tom Cole, a republican from Oklahoma, told ABC News that his party wants to make sure resources are used wisely. He also suggested that the Obama administration could move more existing funds from other areas to be used in the fight against Zika.
"I think that there's a tendency sometimes to frankly shoot from the hip on this stuff and I think we understand the importance of responding quickly," Rep. Cole told ABC News.
On Tuesday, House Democrats attempted for a second time to add the proposed Zika funds to a spending bill as an amendment. Republicans blocked the effort.
As of April 15, there have been 358 travel-related Zika cases reported in the U.S.
More articles on the Zika virus:
New Orleans health officials release comprehensive plan to combat Zika
Dr. Anthony Fauci says US should expect Zika outbreaks this summer
CDC confirms Zika causes birth defect microcephaly