Political Quotes

“This past year, Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 4190 and H.R. 4191, legislation which temporarily suspends duties on the importation of pharmaceuticals which inhibit cancer and the spread of HIV and AIDS. This is important legislation. It is compassionate legislation which deserves bipartisan support, legislation which will help families reduce the cost of treating AIDS and cancer, benefiting thousands upon thousands of American families. It is estimated that every year thousands of American men and women and children fall victim to these deadly diseases. In 1997, almost 17,000 new cases of HIV and AIDS were reported, making the total number affected almost 600,000 Americans. Today the average cost of treating someone with HIV or AIDS is approximately $17,500 a year, and the lifetime cost is almost $100,000. Additionally, it is estimated that this year, in 1999, more than 1.2 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States alone. More than 560,000 individuals will be lost to this disease, while millions of family members and friends will suffer great emotional loss.”