Iowa Democratic Rep. Bruce Bailey Braley is locked in a tight race for Iowa’s open Senate seat, currently polling about two points behind Republican candidate Joni Ernst. Perhaps it’s understandable then, that during Thursday’s congressional hearing, Braley voiced “great” concern that the Obama administration “did not act fast enough” in responding to the Ebola outbreak in Texas.
Our duty today is to make sure the administration is doing everything possible to prevent the spread of Ebola within the United States. Our No. 1 priority in combating the disease must be the protection of Americans, and we have to figure out the best way to do that. My heart goes out to all those suffering from this horrible epidemic, and I’m very proud of the hard work done by American troops, doctors, nurses, and other volunteers to combat this disease. Congress must come together, put aside partisan differences, and help stop the outbreak.
Today, I hope to hear what steps the administration is taking to prevent the spread of Ebola and respond to the outbreak. I’m greatly concerned, as Congresswoman [Diana] DeGette has expressed, that the administration did not act fast enough in responding in Texas. We need to look at all the options available to keep our families safe and move quickly and responsibly to make any necessary changes at airports and hospitals.”