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US Senate Again Blocks Bill That Includes Zika Funding

MGN Online

The U.S. Senate has again blocked a bill that would have provided funds to help combat the Zika virus.

On Tuesday, the bill that temporarily would have funded the federal government and also included Zika funding did not have enough votes to pass.

Republicans and Democrats have been negotiating for awhile now on certain provisions of the bill. That includes the GOP reversing a decision to defund Planned Parenthood.

The funding measure also included help for Louisiana flooding victims.

But, Democrats also wanted funds to help address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Because it wasn’t included in the funding bill, they blocked the measure from moving forward.

Still, there were some Democrats who joined Republicans in voting for the bill. That included Florida Senator Bill Nelson, who says while Flint is important, the Zika virus was a priority for him.

Florida leads the nation in Zika cases.

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.