The Zika virus is a tremendous new health threat facing Americans and the world.

I have been given the honor and responsibility of serving as a House Conferee for the House-Senate conference dealing with Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017 and the Congressional response to combat the Zika virus.

Both of these issues are receiving the high level of national attention and bipartisan support they deserve.

As chairman of the House Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee,

I am committed to providing a strong voice for our troops, our veterans, and our military families throughout this conference to ensure we are providing them with the best resources, care and assistance possible.

Additionally, as a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to continuing to remain fully engaged in our national effort to stop the spread of Zika and aid our communities and families that have already been affected by this serious virus.

I look forward to working with my fellow Conferees to represent the House of Representatives on these important issues: Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers, LHHS Chairman Tom Cole, SFOPS Chairwoman Kay Granger, Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey, MILCON-VA Ranking Member Sanford Bishop, LHHS Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, MILCON-VA Vice Chair Jeff Fortenberry, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Martha Roby, Congressman José Serrano, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

I am confident that working in a bipartisan manner we will reach an agreement that will help protect Americans against this significant health threat.

Editor’s note: Congressman Charlie Dent represents the 15th Congressional District.