Less than a month after sending Congress its formal request for agency funding in fiscal 2017, the White House has asked for supplemental spending directed to a number of agencies to aid in efforts against the Zika virus.
This would include $1.5 billion to HHS, most of which would go to the CDC for state-based prevention and response strategies to control mosquitoes carrying the virus and for health services for pregnant women at risk as well as children born with conditions linked to the virus. In addition, the FDA would get funding toward developing screening and vaccines.
Other funds would go to USAID to support other countries’ efforts to control mosquitoes and to the State Department toward international organizations involved in prevention and response efforts.
In addition, the request includes language for HHS, State and USAID to use the special “direct hire” authority to hire federal employees as well as to issue personal services contracts.
Also requested was greater authority to transfer funds among those agencies and others, including EPA and DoD, to respond to changing circumstances.
