Central FL Congressional Candidates Call for Zika Action

After at least 14 people have been infected with the Zika virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an unprecedented travel warning, telling pregnant women and their partners not to travel to a small community just north of downtown Miami, there has been a bipartisan effort for Congress to return to session to pass a funding measure to combat Zika.

Even Republicans like Governor Rick Scott are to stop playing politics and take action. “I am profoundly disappointed that Washington does not share in our commitment and has continued to play politics with the health and safety of our families,” Scott said.

Democratic congressional candidate, businesswoman and former national security specialist Stephanie Murphy issued a statement condemning Congressman John Mica for putting politics before the people of Florida.

“I join the bipartisan calls for Congress to immediately return to session and pass a funding measure to protect Florida families from Zika,” Murphy said. “Career politician Congressman Mica is choosing to once again stand with the Trump-wing of the Republican Party. He sided with them when he blocked a vote on legislation that would have provided the resources needed to combat Zika. And now he’s ignoring the bipartisan calls to return to session to address this urgent public health crisis. Central Florida deserves results, not more politics as usual.”

Chief Val Demings, Democratic candidate for Florida’s 10th Congressional District, also issued a statement in response to the spread of Zika in Florida.

“As we watch the Zika virus continue to spread here in Florida and threaten public safety, I urge Congress to be proactive in their response,” Demings said. “Congress needs to understand the urgency of this matter, come together and pass legislation that will ensure that Florida has the proper funding to fight and prevent the spread of Zika. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue, politics should be put aside to protect the people of Florida and beyond. We cannot afford to to wait any longer. ”

Locally, efforts have been under way and the Obama administration recently visited Orange County to discuss Zika preparedness efforts. “Providing for the health and safety of our community is one of the fundamental roles of government. In Orange County, we have an extremely skilled team and a robust mosquito control program,” Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. “Our team works seamlessly with the Florida Department of Health and our federal partners to do everything possible to proactively combat the spread of the Zika virus and other mosquito borne-illness.”