News outlets report that U.S. House appropriators have requested an Ebola response plan from the Obama administration, while the Department of Defense announced additional troops have been authorized for the response in West Africa.

CQ News: Appropriators Seek More Information on Ebola Response Costs
“The House’s top appropriators are requesting more information from the Obama administration on its plans for fighting the spiraling Ebola crisis in West Africa…” (Hallerman, 10/3).

The Hill: Appropriators want detailed Ebola plan for funding decisions
“…The administration has asked Congress for permission to shift $1 billion in Pentagon funds as part of the fight against Ebola. The Pentagon would manage the money with the Health and Human Services Department, and lawmakers are concerned about whether those agencies will coordinate well…” (Shabad, 10/3).

Reuters: U.S. lawmakers set Oct. 17 deadline for Obama Ebola plan
“Senior Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Congress have set an Oct. 17 deadline for the Obama administration to lay out details of how it plans to battle a growing outbreak of Ebola in West Africa…” (10/4).

The Hill: House panel calls Ebola hearing
“Top federal health officials will testify about the U.S. response to the Ebola crisis at a hearing later this month, lawmakers announced Friday. A panel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee will meet Oct. 16 to examine the federal response to Ebola. It will be the fourth time that lawmakers meet to discuss the virus…” (Ferris, 10/3).

Foreign Policy: As Ebola Spreads to U.S., Pentagon Deploys More Troops to Africa to Fight Outbreak
“…Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said on Friday that up to 4,000 troops are now authorized for deployment, though that number could climb if commanders there decide they need more help. The growing military response shows that the Obama administration, which only two weeks ago said that it would send up to 3,000 troops, is trying to get an increasingly dangerous situation under control…” (Brannen/Drennan, 10/3).

The Hill: U.S. sending 1,000 more troops to fight Ebola
“The Pentagon is sending as many as 1,000 more troops to Africa to help fight the Ebola virus. The troops are being sent on top of the 3,000 President Obama has already ordered to help efforts in West Africa. … More than 230 U.S. troops are currently in Africa helping to contain the disease…” (Wong, 10/3).

Reuters: U.S. ramps up Ebola troop deployments, total may near 4,000
“…The Army said it has already committed 3,200 forces for troop deployments. The Pentagon cautioned it may never deploy all of the nearly 4,000 forces it says may be needed but also refused to commit to any firm numbers going forward…” (Stewart, 10/4).

DoD News: Rodriguez: Troops in Liberia Will Be Protected From Ebola
“Soldiers deployed to Liberia to help with the Ebola outbreak there will receive the best equipment and training beforehand, be monitored on the ground and be screened before they go home, the commander of U.S. Africa Command said at the White House [Friday]… (Pellerin, 10/4).