Gardner, Energy and Commerce Committee to Hold Congressional Oversight Hearing on Ebola Outbreak

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Cory Gardner (CO-04) reiterated his call for a ban on all travel from West African countries at the center of the Ebola outbreak. On Thursday, Gardner will take part in a Congressional oversight hearing examining the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The hearing, hosted by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, will explore options for stopping the spread of Ebola, and how to best provide medical assistance to those infected with the disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Tom Frieden will be among the witnesses to testify before the Committee.
 
“Ebola is a serious health threat and should not be taken lightly,” said Gardner. “This hearing will give us the opportunity to determine the different routes we can take to prevent the spread of Ebola, including a travel ban on flights to and from the affected countries in West Africa, as well as 100 percent virus screening for passengers whose travels originated from or passed through West Africa. A travel ban would help contain the virus and prevent it from being introduced in new places, as we’ve already seen happen in the United States. Our next step must be to develop a series of deliberate measures designed to restrict the spread of Ebola to keep Coloradans, Americans, and the citizens of the world safe from this horrific virus. We can prevent future tragedies in the United States, but we must institute policies that assist in that effort. ”
 
For more information about the hearing, please visit the Energy and Commerce Committee website here. 

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