WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement today after President Obama appointed Ron Klain to serve as the Administration’s Ebola response coordinator.

“We must do everything possible to protect the American people from the growing and life-threatening risk of Ebola.  As more cases are diagnosed, especially in light of the recent reports, I expect the Administration and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to act swiftly and aggressively to not only combat this epidemic, but also gain the trust and confidence of the American people every step of the way.  A biosecurity threat of this nature requires a comprehensive strategy across multiple federal agencies – not just a single official. 

“I urge the Administration to consider immediate travel restrictions – such as visa bans for non-US nationals in the West African countries most impacted – in addition to making sure the CDC and other agencies have the resources they need to train and equip health care professionals to fight this virulent disease.  I will continue to advance efforts to assist the Administration’s response to combat the Ebola outbreak – including the recent approval of $750 million to support Operation United Assistance, the Department of Defense-led mission.  This is a public health emergency – and it should be met with aggressive, coordinated, and immediate action.”

Please visit this timeline of actions taken in the House to assist and assess the government's response to the Ebola outbreak. 

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