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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi Statement on World AIDS Day
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on World AIDS Day:
"On World AIDS Day, we take measure of our progress in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in our local communities and throughout the world. The theme of World AIDS Day from 2005 to 2010 is ‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.’ It reminds us that we must be accountable for meeting our commitments to fighting HIV/AIDS at home and abroad, and encourages each of us to make a promise to fight AIDS.
"Let us all come together today, all around the world, to support the fight against the global AIDS pandemic. After 25 years of AIDS, a milestone we hoped we would never reach, it is clear that much more needs to be done to stop this global pandemic.
"HIV/AIDS continues to pose a serious health threat and a challenge to the conscience of the world. Just last year, AIDS claimed 3 million lives, including more than half a million children. The total number of people living with HIV reached its highest level of more than 40 million. However, only 500,000 of the 4.7 million people in need of anti-retroviral drugs have access to them. It is painfully obvious that we must do more.
"The longer we go without fully investing in stopping the AIDS pandemic, the further it will spread worldwide and the more expensive the bottom line will be. It is my hope that the Bush Administration will provide at least the full $15 billion the President promised for the fight against global HIV/AIDS in the coming years. So far, the President’s budgets have fallen short.
"In the United States, my home city of San Francisco was one of the first epicenters of the AIDS pandemic and remains one of the hardest hit areas in the country. In the earliest days of this crisis, San Franciscans rallied to create an effective system of care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS that is a model for the nation.
"We are all grateful that improvements in care and increasingly effective drug therapies have resulted in fewer deaths and longer and more productive lives for persons living with HIV/AIDS. But the fight is not over. Fewer deaths and increasing rates of infection mean there are more people living with HIV/AIDS and, consequently, more people in need of Ryan White CARE Act services and other support than ever before.
"The reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act must be one of Congress’ top priorities. I am deeply concerned that the Bush Administration’s proposal would significantly reduce federal resources for San Francisco and California. As Democratic Leader in the House of Representatives, I promise to fight for a reauthorization that enhances the quality and continuity of care, and expands access to lifesaving therapies and support for San Franciscans living with HIV/AIDS."
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
