Congressional opponents Carl DeMaio and incumbent Scott Peters found common ground Friday in criticism of the Obama administration’s handling of the worldwide Ebola outbreak.
“Ebola remains a very serious threat to our nation and to San Diego,” said DeMaio, a Republican, in a statement. “I’m disappointed in the administration’s response and handling of the situation.”
He called for a pause in direct flights to the United States from countries affected by Ebola outbreaks and mandatory quarantines for travelers from those countries.
Peters, a Democrat and the incumbent in the 52nd District, criticized a “reactionary” response and also said a flight ban should be considered.
“The United States cannot continue to be reactionary in our response to the spread of Ebola here at home,” Peters said. “I am very concerned about infected individuals boarding flights to the United States…We should be considering a travel ban from nations in West Africa who are battling this outbreak.”
He said Congress’ cuts in funding for scientific research had put the country in a dangerous position. “Over the last decade, funding for basic scientific research at the National Institutes of Health has failed to keep pace with inflation. That has put us at risk, and stunted the ability of our talented researchers to innovate and discover.”
President Obama on Friday named Ron Klain, Vice President Joe Biden’s former chief-of staff, as the country’s “Ebola czar,” charged with leading efforts to fight the disease.
The 52nd District covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado and large portions of the City of San Diego.