Sorry, America. We Could Have Had Zika Funding but GOP Insisted on Trying to Kill Planned Parenthood

Also, Fighting for Confederate Flags at Veterans’ Cemeteries…

The U.S. Senate returned from the longest recess in modern times Tuesday and proceeded to once again defeat $1.1 billion in funding to fight the Zika virus because Republicans insisted on attaching language to try to defund Planned Parenthood and – get this – ensure the Confederate flag could be flown at veterans’ cemeteries.

Senate Democrats refused to allow cuts to Planned Parenthood – something President Obama has also made clear he would veto – and so, for the third time this year, the Zika funding bill went up in smoke.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid accused Republicans of trying to include “strange, weird stuff,” like the confederate flag and Planned Parenthood cuts.

“Earlier this year, Democrats tried in vain to bring Republicans to the realization that Zika was imperiling the health of all, but especially women of child-bearing age,” Reid said, according to The Huffington Post. “Republicans were more interested in attacking Planned Parenthood and flying the Confederate flag ― can’t make that stuff up; that’s really the truth ― than protecting women and babies from this awful virus.” Reid added.

President Obama had asked for $1.9 billion in funding to fight Zika, according to The Hill. 

House Speaker Paul Ryan went the partisan route, attacking Democrats for not rubber stamping his attempt to kill Planned Parenthood:

Ryan received pushback:

Not all Republicans believe the Planned Parenthood and Confederate flag language is necessary:

Far right extremist websites are blaming Democrats, with titles like, “Democrats Vote Again Against Funding to Combat Zika Virus Because Bill Didn’t Promote Abortion.” 

UPDATE: ‘People Are Scared’: Congressman Urging Zika Funding Brings Jar of 100 Mosquitoes Onto House Floor

 

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