Florida Congressmen Want Obama to Put Travel Ban on African Nations Hit by Ebola

On Thursday, 27 members of Congress wrote President Barack Obama, calling upon his administration to enact a temporary travel ban on African nations impacted by the Ebola virus. Four members of the Florida delegation -- Republicans Bill Posey, Dennis Ross and Ted Yoho and Democrat Alan Grayson -- signed the letter.

I am deeply concerned that this administration is not taking the necessary precautions to prevent any further cases of Ebola in the United States, Ross said on Thursday. President Obamas recent comments stating that its highly unlikely Ebola would reach our shores were completely wrong. Instead of embellishing safety measures, the president needs to look at the dangers of this disease with an unimpeded view and act accordingly. This disease is taking life in tragic numbers. Yesterday, the first Ebola patient in America who was hospitalized in Dallas, Texas, passed away.

My constituents and I do not want to begin the venture of quarantining those living in our country, Ross added. Unfortunately, by allowing travel to and from countries that have been infected with this deadly virus, we could be heading in that direction. The fact is that there are uncertainties about this virus so we must take the proper precautions.

It is my prerogative to pass legislation that will best represent my constituents needs, but it is also important for the government to take necessary action when facing a dangerous threat; in this case that threat is Ebola, Ross said in conclusion. Until this disease is controlled and wiped out, the president should begin a ban on air travel to and from infected regions of Africa and utilize legal quarantine and isolation procedures for United States citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional right to re-entry. This is the only way to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the United States and its citizens is preserved. There is an adage, we must hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. This situation is no different. That is why I signed on to this letter.