"WASHINGTON — Top Senate negotiators announced agreement Thursday on a $1.1 billion emergency funding measure to battle the Zika virus. That’s less than President Barack Obama’s $1.9 billion request, which has upset some senior Democrats.

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) told reporters that she still prefers Obama’s proposal but has reached agreement with Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) on the smaller measure, which is likely to be added next week to a bill funding veterans and transportation programs. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) immediately set up a floor vote on the measure for next week.

The administration requested emergency funding to battle Zika in February, but Republicans controlling Congress have been slow to react , and instead forced the administration last month to tap more than $500 million worth of unspent Ebola funding to battle Zika. The compromise measure fails to restore most of that money."

The Associated Press had the story May 12, 2016. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Senate Reaches Deal On Zika Funding, Will Vote Tuesday" (Washington Post) [3]

"Florida Senators Unite On Demand For Emergency Zika Funding" (McClatchy) [4]

"Mayor Mitch Landrieu Urges Congress To Appropriate Money For Zika Fight: 'It Is Not A Matter Of If But When.’" (New Orleans Advocate) [5]

"Senate Deal Reached On Reduced Zika Funds, But Florida Senators Still Seek Full Amount" (Tampa Bay Times) [6]