Andy Harris: “Mr. Chairman, as our Nation confronts the threats of terrorism, tyranny, and weapons of mass destruction, we must not…”

“Mr. Chairman, as our Nation confronts the threats of terrorism, tyranny, and weapons of mass destruction, we must not forget the ethical and practical imperative to fight nature's weapons of mass destruction which manifests themselves in the form of global epidemics, such as AIDS. President Bush and this Congress have demonstrated extraordinary courage and moral leadership in focussing our Nation's attention on this critical matter of national security. H.R. 1298, the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act, implements the President's visionary proposal to combat AIDS and other infectious diseases in Africa as well as on a global scale. This legislation models programs that have experienced tremendous success throughout the world, most notably a program that has proven effective in Uganda. Such programs work with within existing cultural dynamics to combat the existing humanitarian crisis, while promoting the essential long- term societal changes that will stop the spread of these dreadful diseases. As a freshmen Member of Congress, I am heartened to note the bipartisan support and the healthy debate that has accompanied our consideration of this vital legislation.”