Ross: “We Must Restrict Air Travel to and from West Africa”

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (R-FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, today released the following statement after he and wrote a letter to President Obama requesting he institute travel restrictions to and from the West African countries that have been impacted by Ebola, and enhance security within airports and throughout the country.

“I am deeply concerned that this Administration is not taking the necessary precautions to prevent any further cases of Ebola in the United States. President Obama’s recent comments stating that it’s ‘highly unlikely’ Ebola would reach our shores were completely wrong.  Instead of embellishing safety measures, the president needs to look at the dangers of this disease with an unimpeded view and act accordingly. This disease is taking life in tragic numbers. Yesterday, the first Ebola patient in America who was hospitalized in Dallas, Texas passed away.

“My constituents and I do not want to begin the venture of quarantining those living in our country.  Unfortunately, by allowing travel to and from countries that have been infected with this deadly virus, we could be heading in that direction. The fact is that there are uncertainties about this virus so we must take the proper precautions.

“It is my prerogative to pass legislation that will best represent my constituents’ needs, but it is also important for the government to take necessary action when facing a dangerous threat; in this case that threat is Ebola. Until this disease is controlled and wiped out, the president should begin a ban on air travel to and from infected regions of Africa and utilize legal quarantine and isolation procedures for United States citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional right to reentry. This is the only way to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the United States and its citizens is preserved.

“There is an adage, ‘we must hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.’ This situation is no different. That is why I signed on to this letter.”

Congressional members who signed the letter include Reps. Dennis Ross (R-FL-15), Steve Stivers (R-OH-15), Alan Grayson (D-FL-9), Ted Yoho (R-FL-3), Robert Pettinger (R-NC-9), Kristen Sinema (D-AZ-9), Kenny Marchant (R-TX-24), Stephan Fincher (R-TN-8), Tom Cole (R-OK-4), Michael Grimm (R-NY-11), Steve Stockman (R-TX-36), Adrian Smith (R-NE-3), Bill Posey (R-FL-8), Dave Joyce (R-OH-14), Tom Marino (R-PA-10), Mike Kelly (R-PA-3), Roger Williams (R-TX-25), Steve Daines (R-MT-A.L.), Matt Salman (R-AZ-5), Gregg Harpre (R-MS-3), Andy Barr (R-KY-6), Steven Palazzo (R-MS-4), Mike Coffman (R-CO-6), Dave Loebsack (D-IA-2), Bob Gibbs (R-OH-7), and Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ-4).

View the letter here.

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Contact:
Monica Rodriguez (202) 225-1252 (Ross)
Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 (Cole)

Link to original release from Congressman Dennis Ross (FL-15)