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Vice president Biden urges Zika funding

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(AP)-- Vice President Joe Biden stood on the Capitol steps with around 75 congressional Democrats and said Republicans should confirm Judge Merrick Garland, curb guns for people on terrorism watch lists and approve funds to combat the Zika virus.  The group included House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
 
Referring to birth defects Zika can cause in children, Biden said, "If you care about them, wake up, man."
 
A measure providing $1.1 billion in additional Zika funding has bogged down in the Senate amid partisan fights over restrictions Republicans sought on the money. Leaders are hoping for a resolution next week, and at least two GOP senators -- Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina -- said Thursday that the measure's limits on funds for Planned Parenthood should be removed to reach a deal.
 

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