Porter Goss: “I wanted to take a moment out to speak more to the human side, to commend the Committee on Appropriations for not…”

“I wanted to take a moment out to speak more to the human side, to commend the Committee on Appropriations for not overlooking an issue of very great importance but not of major press focus these days. I am referring to a line item that partially funds the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Act found in this year's appropriations bill. I think my colleagues will remember last year Congress enacted the Ricky Ray bill, which provides compassionate assistance from the Federal Government for victims of hemophilia associated AIDS. This law responds to that awful tragedy that has impacted the lives of thousands of Americans and continues to do that. This is the first year that we have sought funding for the Ricky Ray program, and I was grateful to see the Committee on Appropriations was receptive to beginning the funding process by allocating $50 million for fiscal year 2000. I certainly understand how difficult the appropriations process has been this year, I think we all do, so I am especially pleased that we are moving forward on this critically important program.”