[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RYAN WHITE CARE ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 1995

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, passage of the Ryan White CARE Act 
Amendments is the culmination of more than 20 years of untiring work by 
the HIV/AIDS community not only to reauthorize this landmark 
legislation, but to make it stronger. In a time when divisive politics 
has become the norm, the Ryan White CARE Act is a rare example of the 
good work that can be accomplished when individuals, despite different 
socioeconomic status, locales, and politics, come together in a strong 
partnership to work for a common goal.
  This past Sunday I had the wonderful opportunity to join over ten 
thousand supporters of the Ryan White CARE Act at the Wisconsin AIDS 
Walk. Some walked to remember a loved one or coworker that had died of 
the disease; some walked in the hope they could raise money for 
research to help find a cure; some walked to promote awareness, or to 
show their support for the HIV/AIDS community. But they all walked 
together. And together they raised over $700,000 for the cause.
  Similarly, because we all worked together, Republicans and Democrats, 
Members from urban areas and those from rural districts, the Ryan White 
CARE Act is even stronger than the original legislation. For example, 
the new funding formulas that were so carefully fashioned will increase 
Federal AIDS funding in Wisconsin by over $3 million.
  It is through the commitment of the Ryan White CARE Act, that the 
Federal Government joins State and local governments in an inclusive 
partnership with health care providers, religious organizations, people 
afflicted with the AIDS epidemic, and members of the Wisconsin 
community who came out on Sunday to walk for a good cause. This 
partnership has afforded people with the HIV disease access to a 
comprehensive support structure that includes housing, medical care, 
legal and social services, and most importantly, hope.
  I am proud to have been a part of this important bipartisan effort to 
reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act. It is truly gratifying to see this 
bill pass overwhelmingly in both Houses. But on this important day, let 
us remember that we could not have reached this important goal if we 
had not all worked together.

                          ____________________