On the recordJuly 18, 2012
Next week marks the launch of the 19th International AIDS Conference. It brings together advocates and leaders from all over the world. The conference's presence in the United States for the first time in 20 years is a testament to the hard work that members of the HIV/AIDS community, including many in my district and my colleagues in Congress, like my dear friend, Barbara Lee, have done. In the 20 intervening years, we have for the first time in a generation seen infection rates go down within the United States and stabilize abroad. Despite these steps, however, it is clear that we are still losing the war in key minority communities. Rising infection rates in the African American, Latino, Asian, and gay and lesbian communities are a stark reminder that our work is not done. It is fitting that our Nation's Capital is hosting this critical event as it is in the epicenter of this rising problem. Washington, D.C., has a higher HIV/AIDS infection rate than most places in Africa, primarily in these minority communities. From legislative action to grassroots efforts, now is the time for more commitment to HIV/AIDS, not less; more advocacy, not less; more investment, not less; more research, not less. ____________________
