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Vitter: Fire CDC’s Frieden, Impose Ebola Quarantine

(Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
(Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., is calling for firing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden over the response to the Ebola virus and for imposing travel restrictions in Africa.  

“The CDC Director’s response to the spread of the Ebola virus has been nothing short of pathetic,” Vitter said in a release. “President [Barack] Obama needs to fire him, put someone strong and competent in charge, and impose travel restrictions into the U.S. – all immediately. That sort of quarantine action was an essential part of the eradication of the late 1970s Ebola outbreak in Africa.”  

Earlier today, Vitter testified at a Louisiana House of Representatives Homeland Security hearing in Baton Rouge, La., where he recommended that the Louisiana state representatives submit a flight restriction request to the CDC.  

Obama plans to call members of Congress today to consult with them on Ebola, but so far he retains confidence in Frieden and is not considering a travel ban.  

You can watch Frieden’s testimony today here .  

   


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