With nearly 3,000 reported cases of Zika throughout the U.S., the CDC said it's relying on Congress to pass funding.

  • Florida lawmakers join forces to get Zika funding
  • Sen. Nelson said public health needs to be a 'top priority' for Congress

It took a while, but according to lawmakers it's looking like funding may actually be a possibility.  

“It’s time for us to get together,” said Florida Senator Bill Nelson. “I think we’re getting together.”

Nelson joined a contingent of Florida Representatives at a news conference Tuesday, to urge the passage of House Bill 5958.

“Words you rarely hear from a house member to senator," said Congressman David Jolly. "'Please jam us with a clean zika package and leave town so we have to accept it.'"

Previous attempts to pass a spending package failed. Democrats blame partisan riders.

“Zika doesn’t have anything to do with the confederate flag," said Nelson. "And zika doesn’t have anything to do with defunding Planned Parenthood."  

Nelson and other lawmakers at the news conference said public health needs to be Congress’ top priority moving forward.