[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18024]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATION OF WORLD AIDS DAY

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 2, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
celebration of World AIDS Day which we celebrated on Sunday, December 
1. Each year since 1988, we commemorate those who have died and show 
our support for those living with HIV.
  While numerous scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, 
World AIDS Day reminds us that HIV is still destructive and that there 
is no cure. There is still a critical need for funding, research, and 
education in our country and abroad.
  The passage of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and 
Stewardship and Oversight Act (PEPFAR) is encouraging because of the 
necessity of an international response to the ongoing HIV/AIDS 
pandemic. Eleven years ago, I initiated the first round of PEPFAR talks 
with President George W. Bush while I was the Chair of the 
Congressional Black Caucus.
  As we embark on another reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, 
it is imperative that we remain diligent in the battle against AIDS. I 
will continue to do what is necessary to engage in this fight to 
promote public health around the world. I urge my colleagues to fight 
this battle and to join me as we recognize World AIDS Day.

                          ____________________