Ep. 14: Wall Street Takes Priority Over Zika Concerns in Senate
The Big Story
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 Forward
- Senate Democrats Block $1.1 Billion to Fight Zika
- In Puerto Rico, One Expectant Mother’s Zika ‘Nightmare’
Senate advances #PuertoRico debt restructuring plan, invokes cloture, 68-32 (60 ayes needed) @CQnow
— Adriel Bettelheim (@abettel) June 29, 2016
No Progress on Zika Funding Package Seen as Recess Beckons ($) 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
