"White House Warns Congress: Fight Zika Or Live To Regret It"

"WASHINGTON -- The White House on Wednesday issued a dire warning to Republicans in Congress: Spend money to prevent the Zika virus from spreading within the United States or regret it later.

"Congress has completely abdicated their responsibility," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters, speaking of its inaction on the Obama administration's request for nearly $2 billion to take extensive preventative measures, such as developing vaccines and widespread mosquito control.

"I take no joy in suggesting that Republicans are going to look back on this time that they've had to act on the Zika virus and deeply regret it," Earnest added."

Michelle Kosinski reports for CNN April 6, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Zika Virus Fight: White House Shifts Ebola Cash, Blames Congress" (NBC News)

"As Congress Stalls Funding, White House Will Move Ebola Funds To Zika" (USA TODAY)

"ZIKA: White House Devotes $589M To Fight Virus" (AP)

"White House Finds Temporary Fix In Zika Funding Fight" (Reuters)