Senate Dem calls for oversight of Ebola investments in Africa

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) is visiting West Africa to see how the 2,000 U.S. troops are doing in the fight to contain an Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

“Congress also just approved more than $2.5 billion in emergency funding to fight the spread of Ebola in West Africa, and to ensure the virus does not overrun the region again,” Coons said Thursday. “It’s Congress’s job to perform responsible oversight of that investment.”

{mosads}Coons serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on African Affairs. He said not a single member of Congress had yet been to “the front lines” despite having sent more than 2,000 service members to the region.

“There are more than 2,000 U.S. troops currently serving on the front lines of our fight against Ebola, building hospitals and field clinics, but no Member of Congress has visited them yet,” Coons said. “I think it’s important to show them our support, especially during the holiday season while they’re away from their loved ones.”

Ebola has killed nearly 7,000 people, primarily in Liberia.

The Obama administration has warned the public not to travel to the region, but has not placed a ban on such action. Coons said his risk of exposure to the virus will be “extremely low” and that he’ll carefully monitor his health during the 21-day incubation period.