Rep. Sam Johnson: My Efforts to Protect Americans from Ebola

Statement

Dear Friend,

One of the biggest issues people in Collin County and America are facing right now is the threat of Ebola. The 2014 outbreak of this deadly disease is the largest in history. Worldwide, there have been nearly 9,000 suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola and almost 4,500 deaths. The vast majority of Ebola cases are within three West African countries -- Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Both Nigeria and Senegal had confirmed cases of Ebola, but they are now considered "Ebola free."

Until recently, Ebola had been contained to West Africa. However -- as I am sure you are aware -- on September 30th, Thomas Eric Duncan became America's first confirmed travel-associated Ebola patient after he lied to airport security about traveling from Liberia into the United States. Duncan was hospitalized at Texas Health Presbyterian where he died on October 8th.

Just 3 days later, Nina Pham was diagnosed with Ebola, and on October 14th Amber Vinson was also diagnosed with the virus. Both Ms. Pham and Ms. Vinson are nurses at Texas Health Presbyterian and provided care to Mr. Duncan while he was hospitalized.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans are concerned Ebola could become widespread in the United States. I share your concern. These cases prove how difficult it is to contain this disease -- it just takes one individual to spread Ebola.

The health and safety of Americans is my #1 priority. That's why I have been actively working to address this crisis.

On October 10th, I called on President Obama to halt travel and visas from Ebola-affected countries. Unfortunately, the President refuses to do the right thing. That is why, on October 17th, I introduced the Stop Ebola Act. This bill would ban all new visas to folks from Ebola-affected countries. It would also ban travel to the U.S. for anyone who is not an American citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) that is coming from, or through, any Ebola-affected country. (It's important to note that U.S. citizens and LPRs would still be required to undergo Ebola screenings at five U.S. airports, as previously announced by the Administration.)

While preventing more Ebola cases from being brought into our country is of critical importance, we must also contain the disease here. There have been too many reports of missteps and changing protocols under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and lack of communication with our local first providers. This is unacceptable. That is why I've called for an investigation into the CDC's response, or lack thereof. We cannot afford any further mistakes.

As a 29-year Air Force veteran and a Prisoner of War for nearly seven years, I am also deeply concerned by the President's decision to send our troops to Liberia. Therefore, in addition to these other measures, I've asked Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel for answers regarding the risks facing our troops fighting Ebola in West Africa.

Bottom-line: It is time for President Obama to put the health of Americans first. Period.

I know this issue is of great importance. Rest assured that I am fully committed to protecting my constituents and will continue to do everything I can to contain and stop this deadly disease in its tracks. I'll be sure to keep you updated on my continued efforts, and please don't hesitate to reach out to my staff or me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.

God bless you and God bless America.

Sincerely,

Sam Johnson
Member of Congress

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