The Senate passed a bill Wednesday that keeps the federal government open through Dec. 9 and provides $1.1 billion toward the battle against the Zika virus.
- Senate passes bill to keep government running through Dec. 9
- Bill also allocates $1.1 billion toward Zika fight
The vote, 72-26, came as legislators came to terms on funding to help Flint, Mich., through its water crisis. It was the last major item on Congress' agenda before the November election.
"We had a small victory today in our ongoing fight against the Zika virus,” Nelson said. "The threat we face from Zika is a true public health emergency and we need our local, state and federal agencies working together to put this money to use as quickly as possible," the office of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said in a statement.
The Zika package earmarks $15 million for states with local transmissions, with Florida being the only such state so far. It also includes $60 million for territories such as Puerto Rico, which has the highest number of Americans infected with Zika.
"I'm glad these critical resources are now moving forward so we can help the thousands of Americans suffering from this virus, step up our mosquito eradication efforts, and develop a vaccine to eradicate Zika for good,” Sen. Marco Rubio said in a released statement.
The House is expected to approve the bill soon and send it to the White House.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.