[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2605-E2606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT EXTENSION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
3792, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. Nearly 
twenty years after the enactment of the landmark Ryan White Act, 
Congress renewed its commitment today to provide primary medical care 
and treatment for uninsured or underinsured people living with HIV/
AIDS. For nearly two decades, low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS 
have relied on the life-saving benefits offered under this program and 
I am pleased to join my colleagues in reauthorizing this important 
legislation.
  Currently, New York State is home to 120,000 individuals living with 
HIV/AIDS--the

[[Page E2606]]

second highest rate of reported AIDS cases in the nation. That number 
includes 25,000 people who reside in Brooklyn. The Ryan White Act has 
been, and continues to be, a lifeline for those New Yorkers and 
Americans living with HIV/AIDS.
  As medical costs continue to rise, the reauthorization comes at a 
critical time. It provides for an important five percent increase 
across every category of funding. Additionally, several new provisions 
included in the bill focus on reducing the disparities in access to 
health care among racial and ethnic groups who are disproportionately 
affected by the virus.
  By passing the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 
yesterday with an overwhelming majority we not only restored a sense of 
hope and dignity for those dealing with the everyday struggles of this 
disease, but we also demonstrated our nation's steadfast commitment to 
ensuring that 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS have access to 
quality care and treatment.

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