Despite dire warnings that the mosquito-borne Zika virus is poised to become a public health threat, the Senate was unable to overcome partisan bickering to allocate money toward prevention efforts. Lawmakers, however, were on track to help Puerto Rico avoid defaulting on its $72 billion debt. CQ Roll Call’s Adriel Bettelheim and Jane Norman explain what happened and why. Show Notes: Puerto Rico Rescue Bill Moves ForwardSenate Democrats Block $1.1 Billion to Fight ZikaIn Puerto Rico, One Expectant Mother's Zika 'Nightmare'Senate advances #PuertoRico debt restructuring plan, invokes cloture, 68-32 (60 ayes needed) @CQnow — Adriel Bettelheim (@abettel) June 29, 2016No Progress on Zika Funding Package Seen as Recess Beckons ($) https://t.co/g3OzZSjLpZ via @kelmej pic.twitter.com/rLdX22DFWx — CQ Now (@CQnow) June 29, 2016 Schumer takes shot at House Freedom Caucus, said Speaker Ryan had to 'appease 40 right-wingers' with 'poison pills' in Zika bill — Ryan McCrimmon (@RyanMcCrimmon) June 28, 2016 The Senate appears to have blocked advancement of the #Zika funding bill @CQnow — Jane Norman (@JaneNorman) June 28, 2016
