[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9768-S9769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT MODERNIZATION ACT

  Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, in my home State of Illinois, there are 
roughly 44,000 people living with HIV or AIDS.
  Every day, these Americans face deadly illnesses that require 
delicate--and often expensive--treatment.
  Thankfully, they don't have to fight this fight alone.
  Across America, about 500,000 HIV patients who don't have adequate 
income or insurance are currently able to receive assistance under the 
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act.
  This program supports a wide range of medical and support services 
that benefit HIV and AIDS patients.
  Illinois alone receives $75 million in Federal funds that serve more 
than 10,000 people.
  These programs make a real difference, not just in my home State, but 
in every State in the Union.
  They are critically important not only for the people who receive 
treatment, but for public health in general.
  That is why we cannot let the Ryan White Act expire on September 30.
  If we do not take action right now to reauthorize this program, the 
treatments will stop.
  If we do not stand up for those who need our help, half a million 
Americans will suddenly find themselves out in the cold.
  We cannot let that happen. We must act now keep this safety net in 
place.
  That's why I support a 3-year extension of the Ryan White Treatment 
Modernization Act.
  But we shouldn't stop there.
  As we reauthorize this legislation, it is a great opportunity to make 
a few small changes to make it more effective.
  We should update the Ryan White Act, to make HIV/AIDS information 
more accurate.
  We need to maintain transitional grant areas, so that essential 
services can be better matched with existing needs.
  We should make sure medical transportation and dietary treatments are 
covered for all patients.
  And we should use common sense to ensure that rebates and grants are

[[Page S9769]]

classified and awarded the right way, with less bureaucratic redtape.
  This will make the system more efficient, and it will increase the 
impact this program can have on people's lives.
  More than 250 AIDS organizations have already expressed support for 
these changes, and for the reauthorization of this program.
  It is time to stand with them.
  It is time to stand with all the people who need treatment.
  Let us send a strong message to those who are counting on us to keep 
the money flowing:
  We will not abandon you in your time of need.
  If this Senate fails to act by September 30, the aid will stop.
  These successful programs--which enjoy broad, bipartisan support--
will simply cease to exist.
  We cannot let that happen on our watch.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me in updating and reauthorizing the 
Ryan White Act.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burris). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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