Donald M. Payne: “let me rise in strong support of this amendment, and commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and those who…”

“let me rise in strong support of this amendment, and commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) and those who have worked with her, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Christensen). Let me also admire the work of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), who has for many years been there fighting for the right causes. Mr. Chairman, about 8 years ago I started to discuss the problem of HIV-AIDS with President Museveni. At that time he was totally opposed to any kind of prevention programs, especially the use of preventative things. We talked about that. He finally decided that he would move to having prevention and education. Now in Uganda we have seen it level off. If we put in the correct amount of funds, we will be able to put a moratorium and start to win the battle. A week ago on Wednesday I was in Gaborone in Botswana. I met with President Festus Mohae. His whole discussion at our meeting a week ago was simply about the HIV-AIDS virus. He said that his life expectancy in his country was 71. Two years from now the life expectancy in Botswana will be at 39, they have lost that much. In about 5 years from now, there will be a minus population growth in the country of Botswana. We can no longer sit by and watch the world die. Let us pass this amendment.”