[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY AND THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE RYAN 
                             WHITE CARE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to support the National Latino 
HIV/AIDS Awareness, October 15, 2005. The National Latino HIV/AIDS 
Awareness Day is a time of national reflection for all Americans 
affected by HIV/AIDS.
  Residents of Brooklyn, NY disproportionately represent newly reported 
HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S. According to national figures, New York City 
Latinos account for 7 percent of the U.S. Latino population, but more 
than 25 percent of the Latino AIDS cases nationwide. Simply put, the 
City of New York has more Latinos diagnosed with AIDS than Miami and 
Los Angeles combined.
  For nearly 25 years, tremendous strides have been made in developing 
comprehensive approaches to education, prevention, diagnosis and 
treatment for those infected by this destructive disease. Yet, far too 
many people are becoming infected by HIV/AIDS and are without access to 
quality care.
  As we move toward the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act, let 
the National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day provide a time to remember 
the significant role this key legislation has made in the decline of 
HIV/AIDS cases throughout this country. Future Ryan White funding 
levels must be adequate to respond effectively to those who desperately 
need the medical care, prescription drugs, and key support services 
these funds provide.
  I urge my colleagues of both sides of the aisle to act together to 
reauthorize and adequately fund the Ryan White CARE Act in a timely 
manner as we commemorate the goals and ideals of the National Latino 
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

                          ____________________