Lowey Statement at Hearing on Ebola Response

Madame Chairwoman, I join you in welcoming our witnesses.

This is an important hearing and I believe we all owe the thousands of U.S. personnel a debt of gratitude for combating the deadliest Ebola outbreak the world has ever seen.  Last summer it was a crisis spiraling out of control, taking lives indiscriminately, and seemingly dismantling governments and economies in the process.  The fact that a mere six months later we have not only prevented an explosion of infections around the world, but bent the curve downward and are in a position to reflect on what we have learned is a testament to our expertise and the fundamental generosity of the American people. 

While we were not alone in responding -- and I hope we can discuss the important contributions of the global community and the affected countries themselves -- USAID, CDC, and the Department of Defense irrefutably lead the charge and set up the systems and practices  for the rest of the international community to follow. Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said “we saw actual American boots on the ground…you can’t imagine the difference it made in the hopes of the people. It inspired them to do more.”

While we all hope the worst of this crisis is behind us, I am gratified that the Administration and this Committee remain focused on the work ahead as well as what lessons need to be learned to improve our response in the  future. 

Clearly the international warning system for disease outbreaks failed the people of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.  We need to have faith that surveillance and alerts will provide enough warning to stay ahead of outbreaks before they spiral out of control.  I hope our witnesses can offer some insight on how the world fell behind in addressing the Ebola outbreak and what changes need to be made to make sure we do not face such a situation again.

This crisis has reinforced that health systems are not a luxury, but a necessity that cannot be treated  as an after-thought.  Without a strong global health infrastructure, this could happen again. Too many first responders, the health workers in  the affected countries, died serving their fellow citizens.  International doctors and nurses cannot be a substitute for trained, resourced health workers who have the confidence and support of their local communities. 

Lastly, we have shown yet again that we have the capacity within different agencies and departments to sustain a formidable and coherent response.  I cannot remember an international crisis that required such seamless coordination of so many different parts of our government. I was pleased that the Congress provided $2.6 billion of the $2.8 billion requested by USAID and the State Department for Ebola response.  It was not easy, but these resources were appropriated in recognition of the unprecedented nature of this crisis and the uncertainty of future needs.

However, I would strongly urge the Administration to remain in close communication with this Committee about plans for the use of funds.  The initial plan sent to Congress last month has not inspired confidence and I want to express my sincere hope that coordination will improve.

Again, I commend you and look forward to our conversation today.