A congressman has asked the US Department of State to reconsider its travel advisory for the Dominican Republic in the wake of a string of still unexplained deaths, while another lawmaker is taking a more proactive approach.
New Jersey congressman Frank Pallone wants a re-evaluation of government travel advice ‘to make sure American travelers have a full understanding of travel risks.’
He wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and FBI Director Christopher Wray concerned over the ‘unexpected and highly suspicious deaths,’ one of which was one of his constituents.
"The shocking and unexpected death shares similar circumstances to the other deaths reported in the Dominican Republic," Pallone wrote.
"I ask that you immediately take steps to update the bereaved families and ensure they are given all information on the cause of their loved one’s death as the investigation continues."
There have now been 10 recent deaths of Americans in the country.
Meanwhile Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican-American to serve in Congress, says Americans should not be fearful about traveling to the country, but he plans to visit the DR soon to seek answers for himself.
"First of all, I’m concerned about the deaths. I will look into them and I’m sure the U.S. authorities, including the FBI and the Dominican authorities, are looking into the causes of them," Espaillat said.
"I will fight for that to happen, for them to get to the bottom of it."
He said he plans to meet with government and tourism leaders to learn more about the curcumstances surrounding the deaths and current status of the investigations.
