Hillary Clinton Proposes Rapid Response Fund to Fight Pandemics

Hillary Clinton proposed a new Public Health Rapid Response Fund to deal with pandemics such as Zika virus. Clinton has urged Congress to pass federal funding to assist areas infested with Zika carrying mosquitoes, but Congress has failed to do so. Clinton said that the fund would be available to assist “the CDC, HHS, FEMA, state and local public health departments, hospital systems, and other federal agencies” respond to any public health crisis. A copy of the release from Hillary for America is below.

“The United States faces new threats to public health, from pandemic diseases like those caused by the Ebola and the Zika viruses, to the risk of biological weapons and bioterrorism, to long-term challenges like more extreme weather and expanding ranges for Lyme disease and water-borne illnesses as a result of climate change. And in a global economy, diseases like SARS, MERS, and avian influenza cannot be contained in their countries of origin.

“But despite these threats, we are not investing in public health preparedness and emergency response the way we should to keep our families and communities safe. A 2015 study found that spending on public health had fallen more than 9 percent since 2008. And uncertain long-term budgets leave our public health agencies dependent on emergency appropriations—meaning that when Congress fails to step up, communities are left without the resources they need, vaccines languish in development, and more people get sick.

That is why as President, I will create a Public Health Rapid Response Fund, with consistent, year-to-year budgets, to better enable the CDC, HHS, FEMA, state and local public health departments, hospital systems, and other federal agencies to quickly and aggressively respond to major public health crises and pandemics. I will also ensure that our government has strong leadership and is organized to better support and work with people on the ground facing public health challenges. Doctors and public health experts have been warning for months that the Zika virus was likely to reach the continental United States, but Congress has failed to pass the President’s emergency funding request. As a result, the Zika virus has gained a foothold in Miami, and 196 people have already been infected in the city—infections that may have been preventable. 

In addition, we need to do more to boost our preparedness for biological threats and bioweapons; to support research for new diagnostic tests, therapeutic treatments, and vaccines for emerging diseases; to build capacity in public health departments; to train the next cadre of public health professionals and ensure that public health and environmental health practices are standard to the educations of medical students; and to provide resources for states and local governments to plan for complex, multi-faceted public health threats, like the impacts of climate change, and build more resilient communities.”

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News Source: Politico

Hillary Clinton Statement on Louisiana Flooding

On Monday, Hillary Clinton released a statement following devastating flooding in Louisiana that has claimed 13 lives and damaged tens of thousands of homes. She called on her supporters to donate to the Red Cross so that much needed supplies can be sent to the affected areas. Clinton also calls on Congress to pass funding to combat Zika virus as the flooding will likely breed mosquitoes. A copy of Clinton’s statement is below.

“This month’s floods in Louisiana are a crisis that demand a national response. More than 30,000 people have been rescued by the Coast Guard, National Guard, and other emergency responders. Thousands of people have lost everything. At least 13 lost their lives. We must make sure that all resources are brought to bear in responding to the crisis and helping communities rebuild.

That is why I have called on supporters of this campaign to give what they can to the Red Cross, to bring much-needed aid and supplies to the more than 100,000 people affected by the floods. We also need to make sure that this crisis is not compounded by another, by ensuring mosquito abatement is happening hand-in-hand with flood response, to reduce the risk of mosquitoes that could carry the Zika virus from gaining a foothold in Louisiana.

The best way to help Louisianans affected by these terrible floods is to make sure they have the resources they need today. I am committed to visiting communities affected by these floods, at a time when the presence of a political campaign will not disrupt the response, to discuss how we can and will rebuild together.

In times of crisis, Americans have always come together to lift each other up, support each other, and rebuild stronger and better than before. That is what we must do now in Louisiana, and I am committed to standing with Louisianans every step of the way.”

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News Source: ABC News

Clinton Calls for Zika Funding During Florida Visit

On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton toured the Borinquen Medical Center in Miami, Florida. The area surrounding the clinic is known to have a population of Zika-carrying mosquitoes, and to date, 21 cases of the virus have been reported in the area. Clinton gave brief remarks following her tour in which she called on Congress to pass emergency funding to combat Zika. The funding would be used to continue development of a vaccine and to spray for the disease carrying mosquitoes. A video of Clinton’s remarks is below.

Meanwhile, in Texas, Tim Kaine attended two events on behalf of Hillary for America. In Austin, Kaine attended a fundraiser, then he visited a local HFA office. He spoke to volunteers thanking them for their hard work. Kaine will remain in Texas for a fundraisers in Forth Worth on Wednesday and Dallas on Thursday.

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News Source: US News & World Report, Austin Statesman