U.S. Senator Charles Schumer says he will push for President Obama's emergency funding request of $1.9 billion to combat the spread of Zika virus. Schumer said more than 800 Americans have contracted the mosquito-borne illness, with 60 confirmed cases in New York.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently confirmed a link between Zika during pregnancy and severe birth defects.
Schumer says the funding, which is included as part of a bill by Florida Senator Bill Nelson, would help develop a vaccine, boost mosquito control programs and perfect diagnostic tools and testing.
Schumer says the bill is critical to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.