McCaul Statement on President's Appointment of Ebola Coordinator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Obama’s appointment of Ron Klain as coordinator for the U.S. response to the Ebola virus:

"While it is an important and necessary step to name an Ebola coordinator, prior administrations had permanent leaders on a range of bio-threats, including Ebola, with strong medical credentials. Specifically, both the Bush and Clinton administrations had a Special Assistant to the President for Biodefense Policy to focus all federal efforts on the range of biological threats we face, including disease outbreaks like Ebola. While the president’s pick may have the ear of the White House and experience from the campaign trail, I am concerned he doesn't have significant relationships in the medical community that are imperative during this current biological emergency. I urge the president to rethink his political choice, and re-establish this permanent position as I have previously recommended."

Chairman McCaul previously urged President Obama to reestablish the position of Special Assistant to the President for Biodefense Policy.

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