Senate Passes Bill That Targets Billions for AIDS Prevention, Treatment

AP via TBO ^ | 7/12/02 | Janelle Carter

[Jean S]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Billions of dollars would be spent on prevention and treatment programs to battle the international AIDS epidemic under a bill the Senate passed Friday.

The bill, which authorizes almost $5 billion in spending over two years, also would require the United States to develop a five-year plan to reduce significantly the spread of AIDS around the world.

The bill also includes money to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV and dollars for treatment and care for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in countries engulfed in or threatened by severe HIV/AIDS epidemics. Money also is included to train local health workers in underdeveloped countries.

The legislation, a version of which already was passed by the House, now goes back to the House for approval of minor Senate changes.

"Today the Senate has taken a step, and a very meaningful one," Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said after the bill was approved without dissent.

"Passage of this comprehensive legislation is an important step to ending the devastation many countries face in the fight against HIV/AIDS," said Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., a physician. "With AIDS already claiming more than 20 million victims, we must develop a coordinated response that provides greater investment in prevention, treatment and vaccine development as well as financial support."

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate's health committee, said the legislation "demonstrates the commitment of the United States to lead the fight against this deadly disease."

The largest gathering of HIV/AIDS experts were in session in Barcelona, Spain, as the Senate acted. Earlier Friday, former President Clinton told the group that rich countries should increase their money in the fight against AIDS.

"We cannot lose our war against AIDS and win our battle against poverty, promote stability, advance democracy and increase peace and prosperity," Clinton told the session.

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The bill is H.R. 2069.

On the Net: Bill text: http://thomas.loc.gov

AP-ES-07-12-02 1426EDT

[per loin]

Does this get listed under foreign aid?

[End Times Sentinel]

The bill… would require the United States to develop a five-year plan to reduce significantly the spread of AIDS around the world. .

I didn’t realize that we’d been responsible for spreading it in the first place.

How much could it possibly cost to make posters saying “Sodomites and junkies, knock it off!”

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

[Militiaman7]

Hey, Senate and House and President Bush thy this instead:

[stylin19a]

...now goes back to the House for approval of minor Senate changes.
Hope W.VA isin't getting another Sen. Byrd Memorial Library.

[Winston Smith]

Ok, let me get this straight. You may take a Union to court to get your monthly dues redirected to the charity of your choice if you do not like the money going to immoral causes. Why can't I redirect my money from going to the "BIGGEST" union ever because I don't want it ratholed over this monry sink. We are not responsible for the aids condition in Africa, the sickenss actually started there I believe!!

This is not right.

[A Ruckus of Dogs]

Billions of dollars would be spent on prevention and treatment programs to battle the international AIDS epidemic under a bill the Senate passed

While at the same time 40 million Americans have no health insurance and 1/3 of all bankrupticies are due to excessive medical bills.

[upchuck]

FIVE BILLION DOLLARS to promote pervision?

Who has AIDS?

What is the leading cause of AIDS?

[halran]

This reminds me of something that happened when I was in college. I worked at a self-serve gas station and one day this old gentlemen pulls in to get gas. He had to be at least 150 years old. It takes him forever to get out of the car, pump gas, and make it into the store. He pays without saying a word, then starts to walk out. When he got to the door he turned, stared me straight in the eye and said, "You know how to get from getting AIDS?" Being a bit shocked at his question, I said, "No, how?" He said, "Sit on your a$$ and keep your mouth shut," and walked out.

How much of the millions should this guy get for that suggestion? ;-)

[happygrl]

Knock it off - LOL! Don't you know that a study would be required to select the poster colors and to determine the effectiveness of that simple phrase ?