Political Quotes

“I rise first to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), our ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), and also the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), for their commitment and real diligence in working to develop H.R. 2069, legislation that will comprehensively fight the global AIDS, TB and malaria pandemics. This bipartisan legislation that we are considering today is important because it authorizes the desperately needed resources to address the multifaceted and multigenerational challenges presented by the global AIDS, TB and malaria pandemics. It has been over 20 years since the first AIDS diagnosis. Since then, HIV and AIDS has infected over 56 million people worldwide and has claimed over 25 million lives, including 4 million children. The events of September 11 have turned the world's attention appropriately on combatting international terrorism. However, we cannot forget the global will scourge of HIV and AIDS. It is a national security threat of staggering proportions. AIDS, like many diseases, knows no borders and discriminates against no one. Each day, AIDS, TB and malaria claim over 17,000 lives. So, just as we fight terrorism, we must also fight these diseases. According to UN, AIDS left unchecked, it is estimated that over 100 million people will be infected worldwide by 2007. AIDS is decimating the continent of Africa and leaving millions of orphans in its wake.”