White House requests $1.4 billion from Congress to fight Ebola outbreak

The White House is requesting $1.4 billion from Congress to help combat the rapidly worsening Ebola outbreak in Central Africa as part of a broader $87.6 billion supplemental funding bill submitted to lawmakers this week.

In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said the administration's request is primarily aimed at addressing costs associated with Operation Epic Fury, while also funding other urgent priorities.

"I am transmitting to the Congress a request for $87.6 billion in supplemental funding," Vought wrote. "Most of this request will address urgent needs related to Operation Epic Fury, in addition to other critical needs such as responding to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and supporting hardworking American farmers."

As of Monday, the outbreak had sickened 1,048 people and killed 267, according to the World Health Organization.

The current outbreak reached 250 deaths in just 37 days.

The request comes as some lawmakers blame the Ebola outbreak on the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID and departure from the WHO.