The Atlantic: Obama Calls for Zika Funding — Again
“…On Friday, the president urged Congress to pass legislation to combat the Zika virus, ahead of the July 4 recess. … The president’s remarks came after a disappointing week on the Hill, where Senate Democrats and Republicans struggled to reach a consensus on the Zika funding bill…” (Alvarez, 7/1).

Bloomberg: Obama Says Zika Vaccine Is Likely If Congress Funds Research
“President Barack Obama said U.S. researchers can probably develop a vaccine for the Zika virus more quickly if Congress sets aside partisan squabbling and passes legislation to fund programs aimed at combating the spread of the pathogen that’s been linked to birth defects…” (Olorunnipa, 7/1).

Christian Science Monitor: Why hasn’t Congress passed a Zika funding bill?
“…In a 52-48 vote on [June 28], Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-drafted bill that would have allocated $1.1 billion in emergency funding to fighting Zika. The bill needed 60 votes to pass. Democrats took exception with a provision loosening Environmental Protection Agency restrictions as well as another that prohibited funds from being directed to Planned Parenthood and other women’s health clinics…” (Iaconangelo, 7/2).

The Hill: Obama pushes Congress to approve Zika money before summer recess
“… ‘Congress should not leave, should not adjourn, until they have this done,’ Obama said after receiving a briefing from health officials. Congress is scheduled to leave in mid-July and not return until September, and the fate of any new funding to fight the mosquito-borne virus is seriously in doubt…” (Sullivan, 7/1).

The Hill: Planned Parenthood showdown threatens Zika funding
“A showdown over Planned Parenthood has moved to the center of the battle over funding to battle the Zika virus…” (Sullivan, 7/4).

Reuters: Obama says Congress must end deadlock on Zika funding
“…Obama met with the heads of the Health and Human Services Department, the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the nation’s response to the mosquito-borne virus…” (Rascoe, 7/1).

Roll Call: Obama: Congress Should Delay Summer Break to Pass Zika Bill
“President Barack Obama on Friday said lawmakers should pass a ‘good’ bill to respond to the Zika virus outbreak before leaving for a lengthy summer recess while again insisting on a nearly $2 billion funding level Republicans have firmly rejected…” (Bennett, 7/1).

Roll Call: Republicans Shocked White House Won’t Bite on Zika Funding
“Veteran Republicans are flabbergasted that the Obama administration has not once budged during four months of talks in demanding nearly $2 billion to fight the Zika virus outbreak, a posture that’s helped stall emergency legislation…” (Bennett, 7/5).