CONGRESSWOMAN LEE AWARDED THE INTERACTION CONGRESSIONAL SERVICE AWARD

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today was awarded the InterAction Congressional Service Award for her work in Congress and her support of initiatives to combat the global HIV/AIDS crisis.

InterAction is a diverse coalition of more than 165 US-based relief, development, environmental and refugee agencies working in more than 100 countries around the world. The Congressional Service Award is given in recognition of leadership on international human rights and development issues.

"I am honored to receive this award, but the real recognition should go to the many organizations and people who are dedicated to international humanitarian, development and relief efforts," said Lee. "The support we receive from organizations like those that are members of InterAction, is invaluable in our work to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic."

Recognizing that national boundaries will not stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, Congresswoman Lee has worked successfully to
pass legislation that will initiate multilateral international efforts to fight the devastating disease. She was co-author of H.R. 3519, the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000, which was signed into law by President Clinton and could ultimately leverage over $1 billion to combat global HIV/AIDS. More recently, Congresswoman Lee has introduced legislation to increase the worldwide affordability of AIDS drugs and linking international debt relief to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and social and health infrastructure.

"The fight to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS must be waged on many different fronts. The HIV/AIDS crisis cannot be removed from the context of regional stability, poverty alleviation, development, and the empowerment of women," said Lee. "In order to fully address the HIV/AIDS crisis we must also address the many other problems that plague developing countries."

With headquarters in 25 states and grassroots chapters in many others, InterAction member organizations promote economic
development and self-reliance, improve health and education, provide relief to victims of disasters and wars, assist refugees,
advance human rights, protect the environment, address population concerns, advocate for more just public policies and
increase understanding and cooperation between people.

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