On the recordDecember 1, 2014
Today is World AIDS Day, and I am very pleased to come from a city where so many celebrated and commemorated the progress and challenges involved. I want to thank the Thomas Street clinic. I have visited there and seen the treatment that is given. As well, I thank the AIDS Foundation, which has always been on the front lines providing information and resources. I also want to thank the Montrose Clinic. World AIDS Day, started in 1988, is an enormously important day. I remember being here as a civilian in the United States Senate when the Ryan White Act was introduced by Senator Kennedy and the distinguished Senator from Utah. So we are here today to say we have not done all that we need to do. PEPFAR has cared for millions around the world through the work that we have done here in the United States Congress. Deaths have declined, but yet HIV/AIDS and transmission from mothers to infants still exists. It is important to continue the work. We should not ignore the success or challenges. I am very glad to work with organizations in my district, and I hope that funding in the omnibus or the appropriations process is not diminished in fighting to eliminate HIV/AIDS in our lifetime. I thank all of those who have sacrificed and lost their lives. Mr. Speaker, World AIDS Day affords us an opportunity to reflect on our progress in fight against the global AIDS pandemic and to rededicate ourselves to ending the disease once and for all.…
