Chris Dodd: “no challenge is more daunting in scope or immediate in need than the Global AIDS crisis. I rise today with the utmost…”

“no challenge is more daunting in scope or immediate in need than the Global AIDS crisis. I rise today with the utmost urgency to speak of this modern-day plague and to urge my colleagues to ensure that the legislation currently pending before the United States Senate is both swift in its passage and effective in its nature. The global AIDS pandemic threatens to undermine all of our other efforts to bring stability and prosperity to the world. AIDS is an unparalleled crisis, and it threatens to have a potentially irreversible effect. Every country around the globe will, in one way or another, feel the devastating impact of this disease; no nation will be spared. Certainly, I applaud the administration for its initiative on this important issue. We all do. And, the bill currently before this chamber--which closely reflects the Administration's requests--provides a good framework for battling this crisis. However, it has some serious shortcomings--shortcomings that will greatly impact its chances of success. That is why this chamber must ensure that any AIDS legislation it passes will be effective on the ground.”