Norman D. Dicks: “HIV poses a threat to military personnel in terms of readiness and force protection, and may affect the stability and…”

“HIV poses a threat to military personnel in terms of readiness and force protection, and may affect the stability and security of many nation states. American troops deployed to areas of the world such as sub-Saharan Africa and Asia face an increased risk of exposure to the HIV virus. Targeted research into prevention of infection, treatment, and cures is needed to reduce this threat to U.S. military personnel, protect U.S. military readiness, and decrease treatment costs for the Department of Defense health infrastructure. The bill provides a total of $24 million above the request, including $8 million in the defense health program and $16 million in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army, related to HIV/AIDS research. This funding will enhance efforts to prevent new HIV infections in the military, develop better tests and treatment options for military personnel and health care beneficiaries, and provide for a comprehensive program of research and development on preventive HIV vaccines. I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”