Zika Response Appropriations Act, 2016

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Highlights:

This bill provides FY2016 supplemental appropriations to the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and State to respond to the Zika virus. The bill also rescinds unobligated balances of prior appropriations.

The bill permits the funds to be used for the duration of FY2016, designates specified funds as emergency requirements, and sets forth congressional reporting and notification requirements.

Full Summary:

Zika Response Appropriations Act, 2016

TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Provides appropriations to HHS for:

• the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus, domestically and internationally;
• the National Institutes of Health for the preclinical and clinical development of vaccines for the Zika virus; and
• the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund within the Office of the Secretary to develop necessary countermeasures and vaccines to respond to the Zika virus, domestically and internationally.

(Sec. 101) Requires HHS to notify Congress at least 15 days in advance of obligating the funds provided by this title. Permits a waiver for a substantial risk to human health or welfare.

(Sec. 102) Requires HHS to report monthly to Congress on the proposed uses of funds provided by this title.

(Sec. 103) Provides funding to the HHS Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for the oversight of activities funded by this title.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Provides appropriations to the State Department for the Administration of Foreign Affairs, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Bilateral Economic Assistance, including funds for:

• Diplomatic and Consular Programs for medical evacuations and other response efforts related to the Zika virus and directly associated health conditions;
• USAID response efforts related to the Zika virus and directly associated health conditions; and
• Global Health Programs for mosquito control (vector control) efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the Zika virus internationally.

(Sec. 201) Permits specified funds provided by this bill for Diplomatic and Consular Programs to be: (1) used for medical evacuation costs of any U.S. department or agency under Chief of Mission authority, and (2) transferred and merged with funds available for Emergencies in the Diplomatic and Consular Service.

(Sec. 202) Requires the State Department or the USAID to notify Congress at least 15 days in advance of obligating the funds provided by this title. Permits a waiver for a substantial risk to human health or welfare.

(Sec. 203) Requires the State Department, in consultation with the USAID, to report monthly to Congress on the proposed uses of funds provided by this title.

(Sec. 204) Provides funding to the USAID Office of Inspector General and the GAO for the oversight of activities funded by this title.

TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS ACT

(Sec. 301) Rescinds specified unobligated balances of funds that were previously provided to HHS and the State Department for the Ebola outbreak and to HHS for the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.

(Sec. 302) Specifies that, unless otherwise indicated in this bill, the funds provided by this bill are subject to the requirements contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov