[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HIV/AIDS TRAINING PROGRAMS

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD D. COLEMAN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, November 1, 1995

  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am disappointed the conference report on 
the Transportation appropriations bill fails to modify the provision 
regarding Federal training programs in a manner that could have averted 
some potential harmful effects of the provision. We may be back here in 
a year or two being implored by Federal agencies to fix some major 
obstacles to effective training programs we have created, perhaps 
inadvertently, with this provision. I would certainly not be surprised 
to see this provision the subject of litigation as Federal officials 
attempt to comply with its various components, without running afoul of 
the first amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and religion.
  I must say, however, I am pleased supporters of the provision have 
made clear they do not intend the provision, flawed as it is, to be 
interpreted in a manner that would severely reduce the effectiveness of 
AIDS training programs. As my colleague from California [Mr. Packard], 
the author of the provision, and my colleague from Louisiana [Mr. 
Livingston], the chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, have 
both taken great pains to explain, this provision is not designed to 
interfere with the ability of the Federal Government to provide life-
saving HIV training to their employees, just as hundreds of other 
American business have done across the country for their employees.
  Mr. colleagues have clearly explained that graphic sexual depictions, 
which may be very objectional to many Federal employees, will not be 
acceptable in AIDS training programs under this provision. However, as 
my colleagues have also taken pains to note, the provision is not 
intended to hinder trainers from developing effective programs designed 
to prevent the transmission of HIV, by providing the sensitive 
education necessary to prevent such transmissions.

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