WASHINGTON, October 21 (RIA Novosti) - US Senator Marco Rubio’s push to ban individuals from the Ebola stricken countries from entering the United States will not happen until later next month when the legislation is set to be introduced, Rubio’s office told RIA Novosti.
“This is a work in progress,” a representative from Rubio’s office told the agency Monday. “We haven’t finished the legislation. It should be ready by mid-November.” Rubio's office has stressed the Senator has been adamant about the travel ban.
“While Ebola’s deadly reach has proven to be a complex and unique international challenge, the many uncertainties surrounding this virus continue to threaten US national security,” Rubio said through a statement issued by his office.
“Our biggest priority is ensuring that sufficient safeguards are in place to limit the spread of Ebola, contain it at the source, and protect Americans,” Rubio stated.
Rubio’s office said the legislative bill is in progress and would not be entered into the official record until mid-November after Congress reconvenes. Congress is currently in recess to campaign.
A vote on the legislation would not come after the November 4 midterm elections. Rubio, a Republican, would have to get a full vote in a Senate dominated by Democrats, if the balance of power in Congress remained the same after the midterm elections.
“The most effective way to combat this deadly virus is to address it at its source. This ban on issuance of visas does not mean we will be completely cutting off the affected countries from the outside world. We must continue to increase our assistance to those countries as they struggle to contain this outbreak. That is, ultimately, the only way we will be able to stop this outbreak and keep Americans safe from this horrible disease,” Rubio commented.
US Department of State Spokesperson Marie Harf said Monday travel restrictions are not part of the current plan.
The current Ebola outbreak began in southern Guinea in February and later spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Senegal, with several Ebola cases having been reported outside of West Africa. According to the latest estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), Ebola has claimed the lives of over 4,500 people.
