It is beyond outrageous that Senate Democrats are blocking $1.1 billion in supplemental Zika funding because they are demanding an even bigger earmark for their political donors Planned Parenthood. Half a billion taxpayer dollars annually already flow to Planned Parenthood, which runs the nation’s largest chain of abortion centers. Its U.S. affiliates are eligible to compete for additional taxpayer dollars through the Zika prevention bill, yet they are demanding even more for their affiliates in Puerto Rico. Even worse, they are willing to hold hostage the $1.1 billion designated for hospitals, community health centers, and public health departments for Zika prevention, mosquito control, and vaccine development. Senate Democrats are standing shoulder to shoulder with their political allies, instead of pregnant women living in fear of the Zika virus. This is political cronyism at its worst.

Maureen Ferguson
Senior Policy Advisor with The Catholic Association