Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, recently held a meeting with bipartisan committee members and leading government health officials to discuss the continued threat of the Zika virus.
The officials offered a detailed update about the current efforts being made against the Zika outbreak. Members were able to ask important questions about the government response against the Zika virus, as well.
“When Congress returns next month, we need to have bipartisan support to ensure that the resources are there to find a vaccine and take other necessary measures to confront the spread of Zika,” Upton said. “There’s no time for politics: this issue impacts all of us. In the meantime, the committee will continue to fulfill its important role in evaluating the federal public health response.”
Participants included Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Dr. Nicole Lurie, assistant secretary for preparedness and response, HHS; Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Ellen Murray, assistant secretary for financial resources, HHS; and Dr. Luciana Borio, acting chief scientist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Zika continues to pose a significant threat in my home state and across the country; it is crucial we do all we can to address this virus,” Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) said. “Earlier this week, following reports of a confirmed case in Pinellas County, I discussed this issue with Gov. (Rick) Scott. Yesterday’s briefing provided us with valuable insight on ways we may continue to work together to combat Zika. My colleagues and I are working at all levels and with all stakeholders to stay ahead of a potential outbreak. We will continue to do all we can to keep our communities safe.”
