McConnell Invites Sec. Burwell for Bipartisan Briefing on Zika Virus Response Efforts
‘We know there is an increasing amount of concern about what the spread of this virus could mean for the United States as we head toward warmer months. Given the public concern that followed the first Ebola case in our country, I think we could all benefit from having a better understanding of what preparations are being made to protect Americans.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Zika virus:
“As I recently mentioned, Speaker Ryan and I had the opportunity to discuss some important public health issues at the White House yesterday.
“One was the Zika virus.
“We know there is an increasing amount of concern about what the spread of this virus could mean for the United States as we head toward warmer months. Given the public concern that followed the first Ebola case in our country, I think we could all benefit from having a better understanding of what preparations are being made to protect Americans.
“To that end, I’ve asked Secretary Burwell and her team to come to the Senate to brief relevant committees and leaders in both parties. This briefing will happen next week. I appreciate the secretary’s willingness to meet this request in such a timely matter and I know the information will be useful to members and their constituents.
“Another public health issue we discussed is the opioid epidemic that continues to have such a profound impact on families and communities across the state I represent and across the nation we all share.
“Despite all of the important steps Kentucky has taken at the state level to address this epidemic, the Commonwealth still suffers from some of the highest drug overdose rates in the country, driven by prescription painkillers, heroin, and more recently, fentanyl - a synthetic opioid that is more powerful than heroin. Republicans and Democrats are working together to identify bipartisan solutions to this challenge, and I look forward to seeing that collaborative work continue.”
Related Issues: Health Care, Zika Virus
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