House Democrat politicizes deadly Coronavirus

***Update

As the U.S. braces for a potential Coronavirus outbreak, and with two deaths having already been linked to the deadly virus, the Trump Administration has made addressing the globally-spreading virus a top priority.

But even as Vice President Mike Pence has been tapped to lead the efforts, and with millions in aid having already been allocated to combat the virus, House Democrats continue to politicize a virus that has killed over 1,000 worldwide.

Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D), a freshman legislator from Miami, Florida who was instrumental in impeaching President Trump as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, put out a statement addressing the Coronavirus and announcing that she was seeking virus-specific legislation.

Rep. Mucarsel-Powell anchored her call to aid “this public health crisis” to the ongoing Democratic talking point that Trump was stealing funds from other federal programs to build his border security wall along the U.S. southern border.

 “This public health crisis calls for an entirely new, comprehensive funding package that does not steal funds from other critical government programs,” said Mucarsel-Powell “I am working with my colleagues to pass a robust funding package that addresses all aspects of this public health crisis and ensures that individuals and local authorities have the necessary resources to prepare and respond, if needed. I am fighting for funding that ensures vaccines are affordable and available to all families, no matter their income level, and takes steps to include underserved communities in the government’s response.”

Mucarsel-Powell along with fellow Floridian Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) have both accused Trump of stealing from other government sources to build the wall.

***Update-- Rep. Mucarsel-Powell's legislative office has clarified that the "steal funds from other critical government programs" remark had nothing to do with the border wall, rather the Trump administration proposal to "divert funds from other programs" like that of Ebola. Both Republicans and Democrats have frowned upon this proposal.

The original legislative press release did not specifically say that Trump would take from other infectious disease funds.

Here is the release:

“With the first two cases of coronavirus in Florida announced this weekend, it is more important than ever that our community hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. While there are currently no signs of widespread infections, the health and safety of Floridians continues to be my number one priority.

“This public health crisis calls for an entirely new, comprehensive funding package that does not steal funds from other critical government programs. I am working with my colleagues to pass a robust funding package that addresses all aspects of this public health crisis and ensures that individuals and local authorities have the necessary resources to prepare and respond, if needed. I am fighting for funding that ensures vaccines are affordable and available to all families, no matter their income level, and takes steps to include underserved communities in the government’s response.”

“I am urging every Floridian to take the necessary steps to avoid the spread of this illness. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and if you are sick, visit a doctor as soon as possible and do not go into work.”