Mike Pence: “there is an epidemic of AIDS and HIV in Africa that can be described as a pandemic on that continent, 42 million…”

“there is an epidemic of AIDS and HIV in Africa that can be described as a pandemic on that continent, 42 million infected with HIV, 8,500 deaths every day, entire villages in Africa where there is no single living adult. Yesterday as I sat in the East Room of the White House, I heard President Bush describe a compassionate vision of moral obligation for the American people addressing this crisis that would bring with it not only $15 billion over 5 years, but to put a priority on the values of the American people, abstinence and monogamy, and then condom distribution, and would protect faith-based organizations in the process. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, unless the House amends the bill we will consider tomorrow, the global AIDS bill will not reflect the values of the American people or the vision of the President of the United States of America. President Bush was right when he said we will not pass on the other side of the road, citing the good Samaritan in this crisis. But as we decide whether we will support abstinence first and protect the role of faith-based organizations in Africa, let us remember the good Samaritan not only stopped and provided money, but he took the man to a place where he could be made whole. Faith-based organizations and those timeless values are such a place and I urge support of the Pitts and Smith amendments.”