Dick Lugar: “I rise today to discuss S. 1966, a bill that I introduced last month to reauthorize the U.S. Leadership Against…”

“I rise today to discuss S. 1966, a bill that I introduced last month to reauthorize the U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003--known as the Leadership Act. Under the Leadership Act, the American people have catalyzed the world's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is not often that we have an opportunity to save lives on such a massive scale. Yet every American can be proud that we have seized this opportunity. My message to Senators today is a simple one: let's agree that we should sustain this success, and let's move now to pass a reauthorization bill. I believe that Congress should reauthorize the Leadership Act this year, rather than wait until it expires in September 2008. Partner governments and implementing organizations in the field have indicated that, without early reauthorization of the Leadership Act, they may not expand their programs in 2008 to meet the goals that we set for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief also known as PEPFAR. These goals include providing treatment for 2 million people, preventing 7 million new infections, and caring for 10 million AIDS victims, including orphans and vulnerable children. Many partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS want to expand their programs. But to do so, they need assurances of a continued U.S. commitment beyond 2008.”