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Pallone: Irresponsible for House Republicans to Recess without Taking Action on Crucial Issues

July 14, 2016

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) called for Congress to stay in session to address numerous issues facing the nation. Pallone criticized House Republicans for leaving Washington without working to reduce gun violence and provide funding to combat Zika, the opioid epidemic and water infrastructure issues throughout the country.

“It is our responsibility as Members of Congress to do everything we can to keep the American people safe,” said Pallone. “In America, our children should not live in danger of lead poisoning because of our aging water infrastructure and pregnant women should not have to fear birth deformities from the Zika virus.”

“My neighbors in communities like Long Branch, Woodbridge, and Middletown go to work every day to provide for their families, grow our economy, care for others and make this country great. They deserve a Congress that fights for them every day. They deserve a government willing to do the hard work to keep them safe. Instead House Republicans have chosen to begin one of the longest recesses in American history- 7 weeks. They should be ashamed. “

Today, Pallone spoke of the urgency of combatting the Zika crisis on the House floor. His remarks are below and the video can be found here.

Mr. Speaker, there is no disputing it – Zika represents a serious threat to global health and security. It is irresponsible and dangerous that Republicans plan to leave Washington for a seven week recess without providing the resources to combat this threat.

Meanwhile, the Zika virus is spreading explosively through the Americas, with active local transmission in 31 countries and territories. More than 3,600 Americans, including more than 600 pregnant women, in 45 states, D.C., and 3 U.S. territories have already been diagnosed with the Zika virus and more transmission is expected.

And Mr. Speaker, it’s not a matter of if we will have local transmission of the Zika virus in the continental U.S., it’s when.

Despite that risk, Republicans refuse to provide the resources to address this public health crisis. Instead, they have insisted on saddling potential funding with irrelevant, and damaging partisan riders.

Make no mistake about it, without swift action, we are gambling with the health of our nation.

The time is now for Congress to work in a bipartisan fashion and provide the necessary funds to protect individuals all across the nation.