Senators Ask UN Secretary General to Press Member Nations to Do Their Part in Fight Against Virus Outbreak

WASHINGTON, D.C. [11/24/14]—Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined a group of Senators in asking United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to press UN member nations to step up and do their part in the fight against the Ebola virus.

In the letter, which you can read here or below, Senator Markey said the United States has led the international effort to combat Ebola and asked the United Nations members to step up their funding efforts in order to contain the virus.

“If the international community continues to drag its feet, the cost of Ebola containment could increase by ten-fold, according to recent estimates—to say nothing of the threat to individuals around the world,” wrote the Senators. “While we commend you for your organization's recent innovative efforts to increase the private sector’s role in the Ebola response, it will take every resource available to meet the challenges of this crisis. As the U.N. Secretary-General, we urge you to utilize your leadership position and the power of your bully pulpit to ensure a more robust and urgent commitment from U.N. member states in this fight.”

Sen. Franken led the letter which was also signed by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). You can read the full text of today’s letter here or below.