Tina Smith: “I support the global AIDS bill. I, like many of my colleagues, do not believe the House version of this legislation is…”

“I support the global AIDS bill. I, like many of my colleagues, do not believe the House version of this legislation is perfect. I have reservations about the bill--in particular more funding is needed to fight the spread of tuberculosis and malaria. Nevertheless, I enthusiastically support this legislation as a vital first step in the international response to the global AIDS pandemic. Coupled with expanded--though still relatively small--bilateral resources to fight tuberculosis, the leading killer of people infected with AIDS, this initiative will save many, many lives. I commend the President for his leadership in this effort, and the House's overwhelming support of this important legislation and the global fund. Today, there are an estimated 42 million people worldwide living with HIV. Of the 42 million people infected with the virus, 3.2 million are children and half women. These numbers will tragically increase. In 2002, there were 14,000 new HIV infections each day, resulting in an estimated 5 million new cases worldwide. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is devastating for millions of men, women, children, and families. Moreover, it threatens the economic and political stability of many developing countries. More than 95 percent of the new HIV/AIDS cases were contracted in developing countries. It is estimated that AIDS will diminish economic growth by up to 1 percent of GDP annually and consume more than half of health care budgets in the hardest-hit countries.”