White House Threatens to Veto Zika Funding BIll

Obama asked for $1.9 billion to help fight the virus

President Barack Obama said Thursday he would veto a bill the House and Senate are preparing to fight the Zika epidemic, NBC News reports. 

The House passed a measure on Wednesday to provide $1.1 billion to prepare for, study and fight the virus. The Senate is ready to take it up next week, or after the July 4 recess. 

Obama asked for $1.9 billion, and the White House says the bill also carries some riders aimed at damaging family planning groups, including Planned Parenthood. 

House Speaker Paul Ryan calls the measure a “responsible plan.” It unused funds set aside for territories for Obamacare and from funds allocated to fight Ebola in West Africa.

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