2016 Scorecard Vote
Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH) sponsored H.R. 897, the Zika Vector Control Act, which would undermine the Clean Water Act by preventing the Environmental Protection Agency from protecting waterways from the direct application of pesticides that can contaminate drinking water, harm aquatic species, and negatively impact the food chain. H.R. 199 would render ineffective the Clean Water Act pesticide general permit, which took effect in 2011 and laid out commonsense practices for applying pesticides directly to waterways. Additionally, the permit already allows for emergency spraying to combat vector-borne diseases such as Zika. On May 17, the House rejected H.R. 897 under suspension of the rules by a vote of 262-159 (A 2/3 vote was needed for passage; House roll call vote 199). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. H.R. 897 passed the House on May 24.
pro-environment position