United States Senate Pledges Support for Fight to Contain Ebola Outbreak and Save Lives

Press Release

The United States Senate this week recognized the severe threat posed by the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and offered its support for robust efforts to combat the virus and provide humanitarian relief for those affected. In a resolution adopted unanimously Thursday night, the Senate recognized the support provided by the United States government, African partners, the United Nations, World Health Organization, and the international community to confront Ebola, as well as the additional U.S. commitment recently announced by President Obama.

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, introduced the resolution with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ranking Member Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

"The Ebola virus is spreading now at an exponential rate, and the humanitarian crisis gripping West Africa clearly needs a global response," Senator Coons said. "The United States Senate this week expressed its support with those who have been affected by Ebola and solidarity with those who are doing everything they can to fight it. This is a grave and growing crisis with the potential to spread well beyond West Africa. It cannot be resolved without the strong support and resources of the United States, and I strongly welcome the deepening of our commitment to Ebola response in the critical weeks and months ahead."

"We need to send a message to the people of West Africa that we will help them combat this deadly epidemic, and to the rest of the world that the U.S. is ready to lead this effort," Senator Flake said. "I hope passage of this resolution, coming on the heels of the president's announcement earlier this week, will do just that."

"The world is facing the worst Ebola outbreak in history," Senator Menendez said. "The disease is ravaging West Africa--claiming thousands of lives, undermining trade and food security, and threatening regional stability. As the epidemic spirals, we are witnessing a devastating human toll. By passing this resolution, Senators acted to bring awareness to the terrible impact of this deadly virus and the importance of stopping its spread now, before more lives are lost. We also approved the nomination of Dr. Tom Frieden, current Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as the U.S. representative on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, which is leading the international response. The passage of the Continuing Resolution included an additional $88 million to help U.S. agencies continue to fight this disease. I welcome American leadership this week to dramatically scale up our own response, as outlined by President Obama, as well as intensified efforts announced yesterday by the United Nations to turn the tide through a dedicated emergency health mission. Controlling and preventing Ebola overseas is the most effective way to save lives in Africa and protect Americans at home."

"The U.S. has a vital role to play in leading the global response to defeat this deadly outbreak that is growing increasingly difficult to contain," Senator Corker said. "The international intervention needs to be scaled up to meet the scope of this challenge as research for new therapies and vaccines continues."

"The United States and the international community must stand together to help those stricken by Ebola in West Africa and to protect against the spread of this deadly virus to our own shores," Senator Durbin said. "President Obama has wisely mobilized the best of our American expertise and generosity to help, and Congress stands ready to provide additional funding to help stem the tide of this terrible scourge."

The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).