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Republicans in House, Senate agree on Zika spending bill

Democrats oppose bill
Republicans in House, Senate agree on Zika spending bill
Posted at 7:31 PM, Jun 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-22 19:31:01-04

WASHINGTON (AP) — House and Senate Republicans have reached agreement on a $1.1 billion measure to combat the Zika virus, but the measure is certain to draw opposition from Democrats.

Rep. Harold Rogers of Kentucky announced the agreement Wednesday. The specific legislation will be released later in the day.

The Zika virus is a grave disease that can cause birth defects. The $1.1 billion figure is the amount the Senate approved last month. It contains $750 million in spending cuts, including $543 million in unused funds from implementation of President Barack Obama's health care law.

The GOP measure would not allow funds for Planned Parenthood for birth control services.

A spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid says Democrats will oppose the bill.