Congress ended a seven-month stalemate over money to combat the spread of the Zika virus, finally approving a bill late on Sept. 28 that includes $1.1 billion for prevention and research. Health groups that had been pushing lawmakers to act cheered.

"Congress has finally treated Zika like the emergency it is and shown the American people that it is capable of rising above partisanship for the health of its citizens," said Thomas Gellhaus, board president of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in a statement.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also commended the action: "Our nation has never before faced a situation where a single mosquito bite can result in permanent, life-altering birth defects," said board President Bernard Dreyer in a statement.

The emergency funding is part of the Continuing Resolution that will keep the federal government operating until Dec. 9. President Barak Obama asked Congress in February to approve $1.9 billion.

A coalition of almost 100 health-related groups, including The March of Dimes, has been pushing for Zika funding since March. Sticking points in Congress included the amount of money, and whether Planned Parenthood clinics in Puerto Rico should be barred from receiving any of the funds. The final bill drops opposition to Planned Parenthood.

AAP also called on Congress to provide funding for Flint, Mich., to address problems caused by lead-contaminated water. House leaders struck a deal to include $170 million for Flint in a water bill that will be taken up after the Nov. 8 elections.

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