The Senate passed a bipartisan compromise in mid-May to provide emergency funds to combat the Zika virus. Now, the Coalition for Health Funding — an alliance of more than 90 nonprofit organizations working to promote investments in the public health continuum — is opposing Congress' use of offsets in any package to respond to Zika.
For example, the coalition objects to using the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund and remaining Ebola funds to pay for the Zika response in the Zika Response Appropriations Act.
"Rather than continue to raid public health accounts to pay for the needed supplemental appropriations, Congress should ensure that funds are available immediately to combat the disease and that investments are made in the public health infrastructure to avoid future outbreaks," according to the coalition.
According to the coalition, addressing crises as they occur should not mean taking from programs designed to prevent such crises in the first place. Cutting public health programs to pay for the Zika response is "irresponsible," the statement suggests.
"With summer fast approaching and temperatures warming across the country, Congress must act now to fund the Zika response with emergency funds that do not require offsets, which will unnecessarily cause a delay in response as the disease lands on American shores," the statement reads. "Furthermore, Congress should take steps to invest in the public health infrastructure to ensure preparedness for ongoing and future emergencies."
More articles on Zika:
Many Americans unaware of how Zika spreads and 6 other survey findings
WHO doubles suggested abstinence period after traveling to active Zika zones
Infographic: Where in the US have Zika cases been reported? [May 27 update]