[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Pages 27106-27107]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL AIDS WALK PORTLAND

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, next Sunday, October 14, dedicated 
residents of the Portland area will gather for the 21st annual AIDS 
Walk, an event that raises much needed funding to support the work of 
the Cascade AIDS Project, CAP. I would like to recognize the commitment 
of the more than 10,000 walkers who are expected to turn out for this 
year's walk. Their efforts will better enable CAP, as well as a number 
of its community partners, including Our House and Esther's Pantry, to 
continue gaining ground in Oregon's fight against HIV/AIDS.

[[Page 27107]]

  In over two decades, AIDS Walk Portland has generated over $2.8 
million in funding for critical services provided to the 6,000 area-
families who have a loved one living with HIV. I understand the 
challenges organizations like CAP face in securing steady funding to 
support their work. With State and Federal support declining in recent 
years, more and more is being asked of the community and the private 
sector. That is why I want to personally thank those participating in 
this year's AIDS Walk, as well as the generous corporate sponsors who 
have lent their support to ensure the event is a success.
  While community efforts such as AIDS Walk Portland are a key 
component in generating support for HIV/AIDS services, I believe we can 
and should do more at the Federal level. While participants will be 
``taking a stand'' next Sunday in the fight against AIDS, I want to 
reaffirm my pledge to do the same in Congress. It is a cause I have 
fought for in my 11-year tenure, and it is a cause I will continue to 
fight for until we are successful in eradicating this terrible disease. 
When Congress returns from the Columbus Day recess, the Senate will be 
discussing funding levels for next year's health and human services 
programs. I will do my best to secure additional support for Ryan White 
initiatives, especially those that support the work of local cities and 
communities like Portland. When we combine our efforts--at the local, 
State and Federal levels--we are stronger and more capable of turning 
the tide against HIV/AIDS.
  In closing, I congratulate the Cascade AIDS Project on yet another 
successful AIDS Walk and wish all this year's participants a safe and 
enjoyable time.

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