Steny Hoyer: “Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge all of my colleagues to support this very important amendment being offered today by the…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise to urge all of my colleagues to support this very important amendment being offered today by the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Kilpatrick). It increases funding for the global HIV/AIDS program by $300 million. Mr. Chairman, just 6 months ago in his State of the Union Address, the President committed to $15 billion in foreign assistance, spending over 5 years to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. On May 1 this House authorized this funding level by an overwhelming margin, 375 to 41. And then during his recent trip to Africa, the President repeatedly stressed his commitment to fight the disease on that continent and elsewhere around the world. Regrettably, the amount provided in this bill falls far short of the $3 billion necessary to begin making good on our President's commitment, on our commitment, 375 to 41. Mr. Chairman, the problem of HIV/AIDS is especially acute on the continent of Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 30 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. Let me repeat that, 30 million people. Is there any doubt that if 30 million people in America were suffering, were at risk of losing their lives, were posing the incredible economic impact on our country that HIV/AIDS sufferers pose to America, is there any doubt that we would pass at least this $300 million?”