Gwen Graham cites FSU Zika research amid call for Congress to act on funding

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham (File photo)

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham cited Zika virus research from Tallahassee’s Florida State University on the floor of the U.S. House on Tuesday, as she called on Congress to provide increased funding for Zika research and prevention.

Graham said Zika “poses a great threat to our country, especially to my home state of Florida.”

“There have already been more than 80 Zika cases reported in Florida, and as summer approaches, the situation will likely worsen,” said Graham, a Democrat from Tallahassee. “We can’t wait any longer. It’s time to put politics aside, and for Congress to do its job. We must fully fund research, prevention, and response efforts to fight this deadly virus before it spreads.”

In making the case for Zika prevention, Graham acknowledged ongoing FSU research conducted in coordination with Emory University and Johns Hopkins University, which she said has produced “crucial breakthroughs.”

Graham has cosponsored House bills to fund a tax credit for Zika vaccine research and development, along with fellow Florida U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson, a Naples Republican.

Dr. Gary K. Ostrander, Vice President of Research at Florida State University & President, FSU Research Foundation expressed his gratitude for Graham’s recognition after her speech Tuesday evening.

“It’s an honor for our work on this critical global health issue to be recognized by Congresswoman Graham,” said Okstrander. “The research produced by the Florida State-Johns Hopkins team has helped move the ball forward and demonstrates how federal support can yield important results.”

See video of Graham’s brief floor speech below: