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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee, called on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Tom Frieden to implement Ebola-specific screenings at U.S. airports.

“It is critical to implement Ebola-specific screenings at U.S. airports,” Sen. Moran said. “As we fight Ebola abroad, we need to make certain the homeland is protected as well. While there is no way to completely eliminate the threat, screenings at U.S. ports of entry will add a layer of much-needed protection.”

On Oct. 1, 2014, Sen. Moran issued a statement on the United States’ response to the nation’s first Ebola case. On Sept. 16, 2014, CNN published an op-ed written by Sen. Moran about the importance of U.S. involvement in the Ebola response.

Click here or see below for the full text of the letter:

October 6, 2014

Dr. Tom Frieden

Director

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd NE

Mailstop D-14

Atlanta, GA 30333

 

Dear Dr. Frieden,

 

            With the first case of Ebola on United States soil, I am writing to call on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend enhanced entry screenings at American ports of entry.  Currently, no one entering the U.S. is subject to specific Ebola screening measures.  Therefore, it is important for the safety of all Americans that airport screening mechanisms are strengthened.

 

Given Ebola’s long incubation period, I understand that entry screenings are not the proverbial silver bullet to protecting the U.S. homeland.  However, enhanced screenings for those entering from West Africa or under a passport from Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Guinea are a critical step in the process of protecting Americans from this deadly disease.  These enhanced screening techniques could include temperature checks, asking passengers if they have come in contact with Ebola patients, and a secondary round of screenings from Customs and Border Protection at every U.S. airport stop along their travel itinerary.  I urge you to consider these options.

 

            I appreciate your personal efforts and those working at the CDC to combat the Ebola epidemic both at home and abroad.  I look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure you have the resources necessary to continue this critical mission.

 

Sincerely,

Jerry Moran                                                                         

Ranking Member                                                              

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee                                  

Labor, HHS, and Education

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