Final Zika funding package passes in U.S. House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a final $1.1 billion Zika funding package, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) said in its weekly ePestWorld newsletter to members.

Important components of the Zika funding package for the structural pest management industry include:

• $476,000,000 in funds will be made available directly to CDC through September 2017 to prevent, prepare for and respond to Zika virus and other vector-borne diseases (this will include mosquito control).
• Within 30 days of enacting into law, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is required to detail plans on how the funds will be allocated and/or made available to those that need additional resources.
• Public-private partnerships are authorized with these funds.
• NPDES Permits for mosquito control treatments are suspended for 180 days for those entities authorized/certified to perform mosquito treatments within their state.

NPMA is pleased that funds will be made available for mosquito treatments for those areas in need and that public-private partnerships were authorized

NPMA is also pleased that there is at least a temporary suspension of NPDES permits for mosquito treatments, but does not agree with the short suspension time period, the newsletter went on to say.

The Zika funding package includes funding mechanism that would defund portions of Obamacare and Planned Parenthood. Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), have indicated this package is dead on arrival and threatened to filibuster. Additionally, President Obama has already issued a veto threat if this funding package passes the U.S. Senate.

The House has adjourned for the 4th of July recess until July 5th. Any changes by the Senate would then have to be reapproved by the U.S. House, which cannot happen until July. NPMA will use this additional time to push for stronger language supporting mosquito control and to lengthen the NPDES permit suspension or eliminate NPDES permits entirely.

Photo: Jeffrey via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND