VIRGINIA BEACH – Ed Gillespie unveiled several policies today to respond to the outbreak of Ebola. The policies include containing Ebola to source countries, oversight and effective response at the source, and strengthening U.S. response capabilities.
Speaking of his policies, Gillespie said: “One of the problems with the Obama-Warner policies is that the federal government is doing too many things that would be better left to state and local governments or the private sector, and failing at too many things it should be doing well. One of those is protecting our public health and safety. The Administration’s response to the threat of Ebola has been very weak and does not inspire confidence.
“My policies offer clear cut solutions to this serious threat to our public health and safety. The time for talk is long gone; it’s time for decisive action.”
At the final debate on Oct. 13, Gillespie called for a travel ban from West African nations with Ebola outbreaks, while Sen. Warner stopped short of support for that measure. Video of the exchange is available here: http://youtu.be/to5OGmHkf9I
Ebola Threat Response Policies
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is one of the most significant public health emergencies of our time. With upwards of 5,000 dead and thousands more affected, the outbreak threatens to ravage the region. The United States and international community must work to contain the virus’s spread both inside and outside of the most affected countries. An effective Ebola response requires close coordination of U.S. agencies, proper funding, and Congressional oversight. As our Senator, I would focus on these three aspects to ensure a coordinated response:
1. Contain Ebola to Source Countries. As in the case of Mr. Thomas Duncan in Dallas, our global interconnectedness makes it relatively easy for the virus to circulate around the world. Fortunately, at this juncture, we have an opportunity to screen and track those who might have been exposed.
Travel Ban from Affected Countries. Containing and isolating the virus to its source country should be the top priority. Outside of public health professionals, all other travel to countries with a significant outbreak should be barred until the Centers for Disease Control certifies the outbreak is stopped. President Obama, through the Immigration and Naturalization Act, has the authority to do this now. If he fails to do so, then Congress should pass a ban as soon as possible.
Proper Screening of Travelers. According to most reports, Mr. Duncan lied on his questionnaire to leave Liberia and had a flight connection in Belgium. While there are not currently any direct flights from affected countries, the U.S. must work with third-party countries to ensure any travelers who have been in–or hold a passport from–the West African region are properly screened. The more we are able to track and monitor those who might have been exposed, the better we can contain any possible outbreaks.
2. Oversight and Effective Response at the Source. The U.S. military is recognized as being the only force with the capabilities and resources to help contain the outbreak in West Africa. The 4,000 troops being deployed must have the capabilities and resources to execute their mission safely and successfully.
Restore National Security/Defense Budget. I was deeply concerned to see the Pentagon requesting to reallocate $1 billion from other defense accounts to fund the Ebola mission. While I agree it is a national priority, this is another case of the military being asked to do more with less. The Senate should immediately repeal the sequester to restore our military and ensure the military’s $1 billion request is not funded at the expense of other defense priorities.
Continued Congressional Oversight of American Mission. The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee must continue to provide oversight and monitor developments. I commend Senator Inhofe for demanding and receiving regular briefings from the Obama Administration and Pentagon officials which should be required for continued Congressional funding and support.
Properly Protect and Compensate our Troops on the Ground. While not a traditional combat zone, our troops are very much in danger while deployed to West Africa. Our forces need to be protected with proper protocols, equipment and standing procedures in case of accidental infection. In addition, the Combat Zone Tax Exemption and Imminent Danger Pay should immediately be extended to those on the ground as they are an important part of our service members’ compensation and reflect the heightened risk working in the hot zone.
3. Strengthen U.S. Response Capabilities. The recent moves by the CDC and military were welcome to help increase our capacity to respond to any incidents in the U.S. Nonetheless, we must ensure our public officials are held accountable and our research efforts are funded.
Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director for the Centers for Disease Control, Should be Fired and Replaced Immediately. Dr Frieden failed to adequately protect hospital workers and the American public at large. He should be replaced immediately with a public health professional who can infuse accountability and responsiveness to this public health threat.
Expedite U.S. Federal Drug Administration Approval of Ebola Vaccine and Treatment. With several vaccine and treatment initiatives ongoing, the U.S. must work with its international partners to provide necessary and needed funding, which might reach hundreds of millions of dollars.
Proper Protocol and Resources for Current and Any Future Crisis. The CDC has been underprepared and overwhelmed with its response to the Ebola crisis. This is unacceptable for an agency with the important task of tracking and responding to public health threats as they arise. Congress must continue to monitor the CDC’s efforts and hold the agency accountable, while ensuring the CDC has the tools, procedures, and funding needed to prevent future outbreaks.
Gillespie’s policies won praise from members of the Virginia Delegation, including:
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Bob Goodlatte:
Ed Gillespie’s plan for a coordinated response to the Ebola issue is the type of proactive leadership the Commonwealth needs. I appreciate Ed’s early and outspoken leadership on formulating a far-reaching plan to address an Ebola response both here in the United States, and abroad.
Rep. Morgan Griffith:
Ed Gillespie’s Ebola containment plan shows he is a man of ideas and is willing to take initiative when it comes to the important issues. This exemplifies the kind of leadership the Commonwealth needs moving forward.
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