Jerry Nadler: “I recognize the intentions and the intelligence of the gentleman's intention to increase $21 million in funding to the…”

“I recognize the intentions and the intelligence of the gentleman's intention to increase $21 million in funding to the veterans housing and medical care facilities. I object, however, to his wanting to take this $21 million away from the housing opportunities for people with AIDS, or HOPWA program. It is a cut in the HOPWA program compared to what the bill gives it of almost 10 percent. The HOPWA program is the only Federal housing program that specifically provides cities and States hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic with the resources to address the housing crisis facing people living with AIDS. Sixty percent of all people living with HIV and AIDS will face a housing crisis at some point during their illness because of high medical expenses and the loss of wages attendant under the disease. Major strides, thank God, have been made in treatment options for people living with AIDS, and with these advances there is new hope. But the cost of these treatments often places people in the position to decide between essential medications and other necessities such as housing. Further, individuals who have HIV and AIDS must have stable housing, access to and benefits from complex drug treatments which often requires special dietary needs. Medications must often be refrigerated and taken on a rigid time schedule.”