Wexler Votes in Favor of Major Global Health Legislation

Congressman Wexler released the following statement following the passage of the Lantos-Hyde US Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, & Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 by the House of Representatives:

"I voted for this legislation because I believe America has a moral imperative to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other deadly diseases that kill tens of millions of people globally each year. 40 million people around the globe are HIV-positive; and, each and every day, another 6,000 people become infected.

"Crafted by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, this bill authorizes $50 billion for US programs that combat these diseases from 2009 to 2013.  It seeks to continue America’s commitment to aggressively prevent and care for those living with HIV/AIDS and cure those with tuberculosis and malaria in the world’s poorest nations by launching a five-year program to achieve these goals.

"This legislation also removes the Bush Administration’s previous requirement that one-third of all HIV/AIDS prevention funding to abstinence education.  Instead, it requires sensible, scientifically proven education programs that stress abstinence, condom use, and fidelity.

"The passage of the Lantos-Hyde bill is an important step towards ensuring US leadership in the fight to end deadly diseases among impoverished people across our globe."

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