Dick Durbin: “as we consider this $87 billion supplemental--and what is truly in the interest of our national security, for this…”

“as we consider this $87 billion supplemental--and what is truly in the interest of our national security, for this generation and generations to come--these words from the Secretary of State about the impact of AIDS have special resonance: ``more devastating than any terrorist attack, any conflict, or any weapon of mass destruction.'' AIDS is fast becoming the worst plague the world has ever encountered. Already, 25 million people have been killed by the disease. Today, another 42 million people around the world face a death sentence from AIDS because they have no access to life-saving treatment that can cost as little as a dollar a day. As parents are dying, 14 million AIDS orphans have been left without the care and support that they need. Unless we act soon, there will be 25 million AIDS orphans by the end of the decade. Each year the world loses a population greater than the city of Chicago because of AIDS. Yet, we know how to stop these deaths. Keeping our promises in the fight against AIDS is in America's interest. AIDS represents not only a humanitarian crisis on a scale the world has never seen. AIDS also presents a growing security threat around the world. Living up to the President's promises on AIDS makes good sense for our national security. It is also important for showing the world that we make good on our commitments. As the CIA Director recently said about AIDS: Is this a security issue? You bet it is.…”