Top Republicans: Zika funding on hold until September

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top House Republicans say they are likely to grant a portion of President Barack Obama's $1.9 billion request to combat the Zika virus but will probably wait until September to do so.

Congressional Republicans have succeeded in forcing the administration to divert almost $600 million in unspent Ebola funds to fighting Zika. But the White House says that's only a temporary solution and that more money will be needed before then.

Top Republicans on the powerful Appropriations Committee say they're willing to provide more money once they can better determine what exactly is needed.

Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers told reporters that "we're prepared to try to do a supplemental bill if it's needed" and that action is likely "before the end of the fiscal year" on Oct. 1.

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