Two Republican lawmakers say Congress should reconvene to address the Ebola threat to the U.S., citing the Obama administration’s reluctance to establish a travel ban among passengers West African countries hard-hit by the virus.
“Since the president has not recognized the threat that Ebola poses to the American people, Congress has a duty to the nation to address this threat,” Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana and Rep. Scott Garrett of New Jersey wrote to House Speaker John Boehner, Ohio Republican, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat.
They said if the White House will not consider a flight ban, then the Congress should as part of legislation. That’s unlikely to happen, though, as lawmakers campaign ahead of midterm elections on Nov. 4.
“The Obama administration has failed to recognize this public health threat,” the conservative lawmakers said in their letter. “Thus far, the administration has refused to implement flight restrictions from affected countries, and provide effective screening process for travelers after they arrive on shores. The House and Senate must reconvene to direct the administration on what steps must be taken to protect the American people.”
The administration has rejected calls for a flight ban so far, arguing passenger from countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea may go underground and sneak into the country, making it difficult to track people with potential exposure to Ebola.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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