[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 UNITED STATES LEADERSHIP AGAINST HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, AND MALARIA 
                              ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2003

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1298, The 
United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act 
of 2003. The statistics on AIDS staggering. According to the United 
Nations, AIDS has killed over 20 million people since the epidemic 
began. Every day nearly 14,000 people become infected with HIV, 
primarily in the developing world and another 8,500 people die.
  It's almost too much to comprehend, but we can respond. And we must. 
Experts say that a strong global response could prevent nearly two-
thirds of the 45 million new infections that are projected by 2020, 
saving tens of millions of lives.
  This legislation will strengthen our response to the global AIDS 
pandemic by improving coordination among relevant U.S. agencies, 
establishing additional accountability mechanisms, and fostering 
international cooperation through increased contributions to the 
multilateral Global Fund to Combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. 
The increased contribution of up to $1 billion for the Global Fund in 
FY2004 is accompanied by a 33 percent cap on the U.S. contribution to 
challenge other donor countries to match our increased commitment.
  The promises made in H.R. 1298, however, must be matched by real 
resources. Planning and coordination alone will not solve this 
monumental crisis. Prevention and treatment require money. This is a 
good first step, now we must appropriate the funds necessary to enact 
this plan and demonstrate the depth of our commitment to the world.
  H.R. 1298 authorizes $15 billion for our multilateral and bilateral 
efforts, including $3 billion in FY2004. Unfortunately, the Bush budget 
provides only $1.6 billion in FY2004, with only $200 million going to 
the Global Fund. We must do better.
  I also have deep reservations about the provision that gives 
abstinence programs a third of USAID's prevention funding. This crisis 
is too severe and our response is too critical to let our efforts be 
undermined by catering to ideological pressure.
  The fight against AIDS is far from over, and this legislation 
provides an important opportunity to strengthen our commitment to a 
future where AIDS is no longer a threat. I urge my colleagues to 
support the motion to concur.

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