[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 84 (Monday, May 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TB, AND MALARIA

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                            HON. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2019

  Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, as a member of the State and Foreign 
Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I rise regarding today's full 
Appropriations Committee action on the State and Foreign Operations 
Appropriations Fiscal Year 2020 funding bill.
  This bill provides vital resources and programs supporting American 
and global interests around the world. As you know, the United States 
is a leader in global health, and it is important that we remain 
engaged and not become complacent, especially as life-threatening 
diseases begin to advance and mutate.
  The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill funds several 
health-related foreign policies that provide assistance, along with our 
partners, to eradicate deadly and preventable diseases worldwide.
  The Global Fund is one of these critical programs funded in this 
bill. As one of the world's most effective health organizations, it has 
delivered real results combatting deadly diseases, saving over 27 
million lives since its conception. The Global Fund partnership invests 
billions of dollars annually to support programs fighting AIDS, 
tuberculosis, and malaria around the world.
  Madam Speaker, unfortunately, due to policies unrelated to the Global 
Fund, I was unable to support this funding bill in its entirety during 
last week's Committee consideration. However, I would like to express 
the importance of the United States' participation in this partnership, 
and the clear signal to the rest of the world that the United States 
will continue to lead with its commitment to the Global Fund.
  I remain committed to working with my colleagues to find an agreement 
with the Senate and the Administration on the overall Fiscal Year 2020 
funding level. Without an agreement, the Fiscal Year 2020 
appropriations process will continue to have a difficult path towards 
funding the government.
  Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle 
and both sides of the Capitol to come together and work towards a 
common goal of getting to an agreement for the overall funding amount 
for Fiscal Year 2020.

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