WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in response to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I am saddened to learn that an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed three people. In December 2014, at the height of the Ebola epidemic, I traveled to Liberia and witnessed the suffering caused by this disease firsthand. I am hopeful that Congolese officials, who have experience dealing with previous outbreaks, will work quickly to prevent the spread of this disease. This outbreak underscores the need for Congress to make long-term, sustainable investments in medical research and the development of new treatments and cures. As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds foreign assistance, I will fight against any proposed cuts to our global health contributions. Investments like these help keep Americans at home and abroad safe. They ensure that people affected by diseases like Ebola have access to life-saving health services that prevent the disease from spreading.”
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