ICYMI: Gus Bilirakis Wants Obama to Work With Local Governments on Ebola

From his perch on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., has turned his focus on the Ebola threat in recent days. At the end of last week, Bilirakis called for President Barack Obama to work with local governments in readying for the threat.

"I am deeply concerned about the threat Ebola poses to public health," Bilirakis said on Friday. "In order to guarantee no further importation to the U.S., the Ebola virus must be immediately eradicated in West Africa. Here at home, the administration must coordinate with local governments and health-care providers in a proactive manner to ensure our doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals have the training and resources available to adequately diagnose and treat infected patients."

"I want to do my part to help our local health care officials and first responders have the tools available to address any potential outbreak in the Tampa Bay area," Bilirakis added. "I received valuable input from all of the participants, and have great confidence these men and women will do what is necessary to ensure public health and safety. I will continue to work in close conjunction with all appropriate federal, state, and local entities to ensure cooperation and the readiness of the greater Tampa Bay area.

" To that end, Bilirakis hosted a round table on Friday to focus on the threat. Bilirakis joined other members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday in sending a letter to Obama and other officials asking for answers on the threat.

"With a series of questions and recommendations to ensure that the U.S. response to the risks posed by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is as effective as possible in protecting the public health and safety of the American people," the committee members wrote. "Congress stands ready to serve as a strong and solid partner in solving this crisis." To read online, click here.