The number of lawmakers backing a travel ban for incoming travel from Ebola “hot zone” countries has jumped from a bipartisan group of 26 members of Congress to 70, reports The Hill.
The congressional coalition, made up mostly of Republicans, says constituents want them to pass a common sense temporary ban on travel from Ebola-stricken countries to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.
“People are asking that we do that, and they are exactly correct to make that request,” said Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX).
A citizen-driven online White House petition calling for a travel ban has nearly doubled this week, surging from 22,262 on Monday up to 43,111 Friday afternoon.
President Barack Obama opposes halting incoming travel from African Ebola hot zones and claims such restrictions would make matters worse. Obama’s own former press Secretary Jay Carney said on Thursday he believes travel restrictions may now be necessary to combat Ebola.