May 05, 2004
Washington, DC – At a press conference this morning organized by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Lee said that she and the 83 co-sponsors of H.R. 4061, The Assistance for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004, would push the House leadership for a quick vote on this comprehensive United States response to the continuing global problem of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC). As of 2001, 110 million children were orphaned throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Every 14 seconds, another child is orphaned by AIDS. Without parents, these children are left without food, shelter, education, and protection.
On March 31, the House International Relations Committee unanimously passed the bill, which would create a separate office in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to better coordinate and provide assistance in support of basic care; treatment for HIV-infected children; psychosocial support; school food programs; educational opportunities through the elimination of school fees; and inheritance rights for OVCs. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate next week.
Lee said, “We are holding this press conference to encourage the House leadership to bring up the bill for consideration as quickly as possible so that we can pass this important initiative and provide relief for millions of orphaned and vulnerable children throughout the developing world. There is no reason not to pass this bi-partisan bill because we have an obligation to alleviate the pain and suffering of orphans.”
“I’m proud of our efforts to provide a more effective US response to the global orphan and vulnerable children crisis,” said Lee. “The spread of AIDS has only added to the urgent necessity to provide care for the world’s most vulnerable populations. These children are victims, and particularly as we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we should remember that we have a moral duty to address their needs.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Pushes House Leadership for Vote on Orphans and Vulnerable Children Bill
Bill Expected to Be Introduced in Senate Next Week
Washington, DC – At a press conference this morning organized by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Lee said that she and the 83 co-sponsors of H.R. 4061, The Assistance for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004, would push the House leadership for a quick vote on this comprehensive United States response to the continuing global problem of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC). As of 2001, 110 million children were orphaned throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Every 14 seconds, another child is orphaned by AIDS. Without parents, these children are left without food, shelter, education, and protection.
On March 31, the House International Relations Committee unanimously passed the bill, which would create a separate office in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to better coordinate and provide assistance in support of basic care; treatment for HIV-infected children; psychosocial support; school food programs; educational opportunities through the elimination of school fees; and inheritance rights for OVCs. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate next week.
Lee said, “We are holding this press conference to encourage the House leadership to bring up the bill for consideration as quickly as possible so that we can pass this important initiative and provide relief for millions of orphaned and vulnerable children throughout the developing world. There is no reason not to pass this bi-partisan bill because we have an obligation to alleviate the pain and suffering of orphans.”
“I’m proud of our efforts to provide a more effective US response to the global orphan and vulnerable children crisis,” said Lee. “The spread of AIDS has only added to the urgent necessity to provide care for the world’s most vulnerable populations. These children are victims, and particularly as we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, we should remember that we have a moral duty to address their needs.”