Bill Nelson: “I rise to state my support for Senator Schumer's amendment to increase funding for the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS…”

“I rise to state my support for Senator Schumer's amendment to increase funding for the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. The Ryan White CARE Act is the largest single source of Federal funding dedicated to the care and treatment of people living with HIV/ AIDS in our Nation. This exceptional program provides funding for primary health care and support services for people with HIV/AIDS who lack health insurance and the financial resources to pay for their care. Each year, CARE Act programs nationwide reach over half a million individuals with or at risk for HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 850,000 to 950,000 people are living with HIV and/or AIDS in the U.S., and of those people approximately one-third are not accessing proper care and treatment. CARE Act programs are essential to extending care to all those living with HIV/AIDS. Recent reports indicate that the number of patients with HIV/AIDS is increasing faster than the Federal funding. In my own State of Florida that has meant that patients in need have had to delay getting care. The number of people on the waiting lists has never been so widespread or long-lasting.”