Congress Dithers While Zika Spreads

Congress is giving the Aedes aegypti mosquito every chance to gain an advantage in the fight against the Zika virus. No one knows exactly when the first such mosquito will transmit the virus inside the U.S., but it might happen before lawmakers manage to pass a bill to pay for its prevention and control.

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican plan to partly fund President Barack Obama’s request -- issued more than four months ago -- for money to fight Zika. The White House had asked for almost $1.9 billion to help states control mosquitoes, create faster tests for the virus, and develop a vaccine, among other things. Congressional Republicans offered $1.1 billion, with strings attached.