Nancy Pelosi: “19 years ago, I came to Congress to fight AIDS, a disease that has taken nearly 18,000 lives in my city of San Francisco…”

“19 years ago, I came to Congress to fight AIDS, a disease that has taken nearly 18,000 lives in my city of San Francisco alone. We have lost friends, family, and loved ones, but we have not lost our will to fight this terrible disease. This year, we mark the 25th anniversary of the first diagnosis of AIDS--a stark reminder that this epidemic is still among us, and that our work is not done. Yet as we grieve for those we have lost, we are filled with hope as we see the strength of those who are fighting and living full lives with HIV and AIDS. This would not be possible without the help of the Federal Government through initiatives such as the Ryan White CARE Act. The act has been instrumental in our fight to defeat AIDS. It has greatly improved the quality and availability of health care services for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. I was proud to be a part of the creation of the Ryan White CARE Act. Unfortunately, I must rise in opposition to this reauthorization.”