Washington, D.C. – (July 19, 2012) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) gave the following statement today on the House floor to draw attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and abroad ahead of the XIX International AIDS Conference:

“The International AIDS Conference could not be returning to America at a better time.  This year’s conference could mark the turning point in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  Advances in research are finally allowing us to picture the possibility of a generation that is free from this disease. 

Despite great promise, there is still much to do. 

Now more than ever, America must remain committed to leading the fight against HIV/AIDS, combating the crisis right here at home and abroad.  Our continued support is absolutely vital to developing new treatments and prevention techniques, including microbicides, as well as for finding a cure. 

The United States must continue to do everything we can to increase access to treatment for infected individuals around the globe, including the availability of life-saving drugs.  Let this conference serve as a reminder of America’s contribution to combating this epidemic, and a rallying cry for why we can’t turn back now.”

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