Senate passes resolution on Ebola threat

The Senate passed a resolution Thursday recognizing the threat of an Ebola outbreak.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced S.Res. 541, which aims to help address the global risk that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa poses if not properly contained. The resolution also expresses support for those affected by the epidemic.

{mosads}“The Ebola virus is spreading now at an exponential rate, and the humanitarian crisis gripping West Africa clearly needs a global response,” Coons said. “This is a grave and growing crisis with the potential to spread well beyond West Africa. It cannot be resolved without the strong support and resources of the United States.”

Passage of the resolution came after Congress sent President Obama a stopgap spending measure that included $88 million in additional funding for Ebola research and aid.

Also earlier this week, Obama announced he was sending 3,000 military personnel to West Africa to respond to the crisis. More than 2,000 people have died from Ebola in the past few weeks.

The Senate passed the resolution through a unanimous consent agreement before adjourning until November.

“By passing this resolution, Senators acted to bring awareness to the terrible impact of this deadly virus and the importance of stopping its spread now, before more lives are lost,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said. “Controlling and preventing Ebola overseas is the most effective way to save lives in Africa and protect Americans at home.”