07.14.16

Hoeven Supports Funding for Veterans and Combating the Zika Virus

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement regarding today’s vote to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs and the nation’s effort to combat the Zika virus:

“It’s important that we combat the Zika virus, which is why I voted today for legislation to provide $1.1 billion in addition to the $589 million already in place, for a total of more than $1.6 billion. The Zika funding was attached to legislation that funds the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Affairs portion of the bill would provide a 4 percent increase in funding for veterans compared to last year’s appropriation.

“This bill, with provisions to both fight Zika and provide increased support for our veterans, did not get enough votes to pass, but we need to get to a bipartisan solution so that we don’t further delay this critical funding for our veterans and those at risk from the Zika virus.”

-###-