[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 158 (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    S. 1793, THE RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT EXTENSION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 28, 2009

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 
1793, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. This 
program is a last resort in providing life-saving care to the more than 
500,000 Americans currently living with HIV/AIDS. Named after Ryan 
White, who courageously fought this illness and helped bring to the 
forefront a national dialogue about HIV/AIDS, this program helps the 
most vulnerable receive the treatment and support they need to maintain 
a high quality of life. While we race to find a cure, the Ryan White 
Act provides access to doctors, drugs, counseling and the care many 
people living with HIV/AIDS would otherwise not receive.
  In my home State of Connecticut, there are over 10,000 reported cases 
of people living with HIV/AIDS. A disproportionate amount of these 
cases occur in low-income areas of the State where people are less 
likely to have the ability to access HIV/AIDS treatment. In Hartford 
alone, the largest city in my district, there are over 2,000 reported 
cases. For many of my constituents, the Ryan White Act is vitally 
important.
  Because of the Ryan White Act, the most vulnerable of those living 
with HIV/AIDS have access to important services like housing, food, 
substance abuse treatment, and medical care that are shown to help 
people make safe choices and live constructive lives. Of those that are 
served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, 33 percent do not have 
health insurance and 56 percent are underinsured. In a country with as 
much wealth and advances in medical technology as ours, it would be 
unconsionable to allow the most vulnerable to go without essential 
care. This legislation is a clear example of action we can take that 
will truly make a positive difference. I am proud to support the Ryan 
White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, which will bring hope 
to so many lives.

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