Lawmaker hopes for pesticide measure in Zika funding package

Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) is pushing for a measure loosening pesticide regulations to be included in a funding bill to fight the Zika virus.

The house on Tuesday passed the Zika Vector Control Act by a 258-156 vote, with 23 Democrats supporting it.

{mosads}The measure would loosen pesticide rules in order to prevent the spread of Zika.

Gibbs said the measure puts “all the tools in the toolbox” in the hands of local and state officials to prevent the virus from becoming an epidemic.

The bill, previously known as the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, failed last week. Republicans repurposed it under its new name.

Gibbs said he hopes the bill will be attached to the Zika funding package when the House and Senate go to conference next week.