WASHINGTON (AP) - Most people are trying to avoid Florida mosquitoes, blamed for dozens of cases of the Zika virus.
But Republican Congressman David Jolly decided to make a point by bringing a container of them to the House floor.
He delivered a short, angry speech condemning Congress for failing to pass legislation providing $1.1 billion to fight the virus. The bill is stalled in the Senate, where Democrats are blocking it in a dispute over restrictions on Planned Parenthood.
The Florida lawmaker said, "The politics of Zika are garbage right now."
He was holding a closed, clear container of mosquitoes -- the type that carry the Zika virus. His office said they are still in the larvae stage but are expected to hatch.
Jolly said the mosquitoes in the container are free of the virus, but taunted his fellow lawmakers about what they would do if they were released. He said his colleagues would feel the same fear that is felt now by people in Florida.
