Rep. Scott DesJarlais and Rep. Tom Graves have called for restrictions on travel to and from West Africa in order to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus in the United States.
Rep. DesJarlais said, "There is understandably serious concern about a potential Ebola epidemic here in the United States. While the possibility of an outbreak of this deadly virus is minimal at this time, it is critical we take appropriate measures in order to protect public health. As we have already witnessed, lax restrictions on international travel from countries laden with the disease have resulted in the infection of two American citizens on U.S.
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“In order to prevent any further spread of the Ebola virus here in the United States, it is critical we restrict all travel to and from the countries currently experiencing large-scale Ebola outbreaks with the exception of medical aid workers. I call on the president to move swiftly and without hesitation in placing travel restrictions between the United States and the West African Nations plagued by this infectious disease.”
Rep. Graves said, “My prayers today are with the two Dallas nurses who put themselves at risk in order to help a patient with Ebola. They represent the best of America’s dedicated health care professionals.
“Now, Americans are asking how Ebola could spread in our country, why a nurse with symptoms was given permission to board a commercial flight, and why the strictest, safest protocols were not followed. It is disturbing to consider that it only took one Liberian, without symptoms when he arrived in the United States, to start this dangerous chain of events. That fact raises questions about the effectiveness of entry screening and should cause the president to seriously consider banning travel to the United States by non-U.S. citizens from the affected Western African countries. I would support that action, in addition to other aggressive measures, if it means keeping Americans safe from Ebola.”
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said, “Ebola is a serious crisis and calls for a serious response, which is why the House appropriated more money for the CDC than requested. I urge the President to keep all options on the table, including a travel ban. My heart goes out to the Americans and all people who have been impacted by Ebola, and I will implore the administration to use every tool possible to combat this virus and keep Americans safe."