Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be an original cosponsor, along with Chairman Royce and our wonderful ranking member, Mr. Engel, of the PEPFAR Extension Act, which has been led by our colleague Chris Smith of New Jersey and my friend Ms. Barbara Lee of California. This bill will build upon the success of PEPFAR, which has been a transformative program in fighting HIV/AIDS, this epidemic, worldwide. PEPFAR has supported lifesaving antiretroviral treatments for close to 14 million people, a nearly fivefold increase over the last 10 years. Since the program's inception, nearly 2 million HIV-free babies have been born to HIV-infected mothers. This program has also contributed directly to the stability, to the security, and to the economic growth of countries around the globe. When President George W. Bush called on Congress to take action in responding to the global crisis of HIV 15 years ago, Republicans and Democrats stood together, just as we are standing together tonight, to authorize this program. Time and time again, PEPFAR has been reauthorized with overwhelming bipartisan support. I will forever cherish, Mr. Speaker, standing in the Oval Office as President George W. Bush signed this essential program into law. I am so proud of what we as a Nation have accomplished through this incredible program. With the help of our global partners, every day, we are closer to achieving an AIDS-free generation. I urge all my colleagues to give it their full support.…”