Trump Administration Seeks $1.4 Billion for Ebola Response

The White House is preparing to ask Congress for a supplemental funding package that exceeds $1.4 billion to address the expanding Ebola crisis. Officials say the request will be part of a broader emergency supplemental bill slated for introduction as early as Wednesday.

At the heart of the proposal is an $800 million allocation to build a quarantine center in Kenya for any Americans exposed to the virus. The funding also covers essential supplies, treatment options, contact‑tracing efforts, a regional logistics network, and enhanced infection‑control measures. By establishing a dedicated facility outside the United States, the administration aims to contain the disease before it can cross international borders.

In addition to the Kenya effort, the plan earmarks $500 million for global health‑security initiatives. This portion is intended to strengthen disease surveillance, expand laboratory capacity, and improve cross‑border coordination. Partnerships with multilateral organizations and the private sector are highlighted as critical components for a coordinated response.

A further $90 million is set aside for diplomatic activities, including the evacuation and transportation of U.S. citizens who contract Ebola. The funding would support the safe return of patients to treatment facilities, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to protecting American lives abroad.

The request comes amid a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain. More than 1,000 infections and 267 deaths have been reported, marking the fastest rise in confirmed cases for any Ebola episode. U.S. officials have also expressed concern over a recent case in France tied to the Congo outbreak.

While the funding request aims to bolster preparedness, it has drawn criticism over prior reductions to the U.S. Agency for International Development and African public‑health programs. Nonetheless, officials emphasize that the supplemental resources are crucial for preventing the virus from entering the United States and for supporting international partners battling the epidemic.