Coronavirus

published : 2023-12-02

GOP Senators Call for China Travel Ban in Response to Mystery Illness

Senators urge President Biden to restrict travel to prevent spread of unknown respiratory illness

A photo showing GOP senators Marco Rubio, JD Vance, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, and Mike Braun together, demanding a travel ban on China. (Taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV)

A group of five senators has written to President Biden demanding the implementation of a travel ban on China due to a concerning increase in an unknown respiratory illness within the country. The letter, authored by Sens. Marco Rubio, JD Vance, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, and Mike Braun, calls for immediate action to restrict travel between the U.S. and China until more information is obtained regarding the dangers posed by the new illness.

The senators express their concerns, citing China's history of concealing information during public health crises. They emphasize the need to swiftly protect the health of Americans and the economy.

The illness in question has led to a rise in unexplained childhood pneumonia cases and other respiratory illnesses in China. The senators highlight the urgency of the situation, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of transparency exhibited by Chinese authorities.

An image depicting a child receiving medical treatment for respiratory illness in a hospital in China. (Taken with a Nikon D850)

The lawmakers argue that implementing a travel ban now could potentially save the country from devastating consequences, such as deaths, lockdowns, mandates, and subsequent outbreaks.

They refer to former President Donald Trump's travel ban on China as a model for effective action. Despite widespread criticism at the time, the senators assert that history and common sense have proven the decision to be the right one.

China has reported an increase in a mysterious illness, which they claim to be pneumonia caused by known pathogens since mid-October. The senators highlight the severity of the illness, particularly for children, and the strain it has placed on hospitals in the northern region of China.

A photo of former President Donald Trump signing executive orders, including the travel ban on China. (Taken with a Sony Alpha A7III)

While the World Health Organization states that it is unclear whether the disease is a result of an overall increase in respiratory infections or separate events, the senators maintain their concerns based on past experiences.

Request for comment from the White House was made by Fox News Digital, but no immediate response has been received.

Overall, the senators' letter urges President Biden to take swift action in the form of a travel ban on China to safeguard American lives and prevent further spread of the unknown respiratory illness.