Rep. Marino Seeks Frieden Resignation & Complete Travel Ban from Ebola-affected Countries

FOR IMMIEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2014

Rep. Marino Seeks Frieden Resignation & Complete Travel Ban from Ebola-affected Countries

Washington D.C.—Congressman Tom Marino, PA-10, Lycoming County called on Centers for Disease Control Director, Tom Frieden to resign from his position citing failures in adequate hospital preparation, public information dissemination and overall protection of high-traffic public transportation facilities.

Congressman Marino also called for a complete travel ban for persons, other than medical and military personnel, travelling to and from Ebola-stricken countries in West Africa. This comes after he signed a letter with 27 other House colleagues sent to President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Johnson asking for a temporary freeze is visa issuances for affected countries.

After no response from the President and Administration officials coupled with another occurrence of an infected medical worker, the Congressman explained the importance of implementing tougher measures in the most expedient manner:

Marino’s statement is quoted below:

“This Ebola situation is beginning to spiral beyond control. The reports my colleagues and I have received are utterly unacceptable and the information provided to the public has been cryptic and in some cases misleading. This has provided a false sense of security to many of our citizens. That is exactly the opposite of the CDC Director’s primary responsibilities – to communicate clearly and honestly. I have no ill will towards him personally but he should resign his position effective immediately.

President Obama cannot tell the American people, as he has so often, that he underestimated this threat – we must get this right. He should appoint a serious-minded, non-partisan professional who possesses unquestionable credentials and understands that job number one is protecting American citizens. This person should be expressly in charge of handling Ebola containment and treatment activities until a greater degree of certainty is obtained. We need a leader who has experience in coordinating multiple agencies with varying degrees of localities and resources. This person should implement strict commercial and personal travel bans to countries affected in West Africa.

Some may say the low frequency of cases is no cause for alarm but it is clear this virus is ahead of our efforts to contain it. This can get out-of-hand and I want our people protected, not bombarded with excuses.

We must assist and aide our friends in these African nations in every way possible but not at the expense of our citizens’ safety. The whole reason our people are over there is to ensure it doesn’t spread. But it has. This is yet another failure in leadership. We need swift and decisive leadership if we are to address this before more Americans become endangered.” 

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