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Highlighting FSU's Zika Research, Graham Calls On Congress To Fully Fund Similar Efforts

Congresswoman Graham's twitter

Highlighting Florida State University’s research efforts, North Florida Congresswoman Gwen Graham is calling on Congress to fully fund similar home grown efforts to combat the Zika virus.

In a recent speech on the House floor, Graham recognized FSU’s research into the Zika virus.

“In coordination with Johns Hopkins and Emory Universities, Florida State researchers have made crucial breakthroughs that will be useful in slowing or preventing the virus from spreading,” she said, at the time.

The research also links the mosquito-borne illness to birth defects in newborns. Florida has more Zika cases than any other state with more than 80, and Graham warns the situation could worsen as summer approaches. So, she says federally funding research and prevention efforts is crucial. President Barack Obama has requested $1.9 billion, and top Republicans on the Budget committee in Congress Wednesday say they’re willing to provide even more.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.