February 08, 2005
(Washington, DC) – The House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and designed to support the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Lee authored the resolution to raise awareness among the general public and her colleagues in Congress, as African Americans are increasingly bearing the brunt of the AIDS epidemic in the United States.
Celebrated every year on February 7th, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was created in 2001 by a coalition of five national non-profit organizations to encourage African American and all Americans to "Get Educated, Get Involved, and Get Tested".
“AIDS is a public health emergency for African Americans," said Rep. Lee, "the Congressional Black Caucus and I have been saying this for the last six years, and I'm glad that we finally had the opportunity to discuss this important issue on the floor of the House, but that is just the first step.
"We need to emphasize the importance of comprehensive prevention programs that embrace the ABC approach: Abstain, Be faithful, or use a Condom. And we must follow up this important resolution with a budget that prioritizes funding for the Ryan White CARE Act, and the Minority AIDS Initiative. Unfortunately the President's proposals fall far short of what is needed. We should increase funding for Ryan White by $513 million this year, and not the paltry $10 million that the President has requested. And we should provide a minimum of $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative as well.
"Even more importantly, we need to have an ongoing national dialogue about AIDS in our communities. In the coming weeks I will work with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to convene a national meeting to better address this issue among African Americans."
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House Passes Lee Bill in Support of National Black AIDS Awareness Day
Lee Calls on President & Congress to Match Rhetoric with Funding
(Washington, DC) – The House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and designed to support the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Lee authored the resolution to raise awareness among the general public and her colleagues in Congress, as African Americans are increasingly bearing the brunt of the AIDS epidemic in the United States.
Celebrated every year on February 7th, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was created in 2001 by a coalition of five national non-profit organizations to encourage African American and all Americans to "Get Educated, Get Involved, and Get Tested".
“AIDS is a public health emergency for African Americans," said Rep. Lee, "the Congressional Black Caucus and I have been saying this for the last six years, and I'm glad that we finally had the opportunity to discuss this important issue on the floor of the House, but that is just the first step.
"We need to emphasize the importance of comprehensive prevention programs that embrace the ABC approach: Abstain, Be faithful, or use a Condom. And we must follow up this important resolution with a budget that prioritizes funding for the Ryan White CARE Act, and the Minority AIDS Initiative. Unfortunately the President's proposals fall far short of what is needed. We should increase funding for Ryan White by $513 million this year, and not the paltry $10 million that the President has requested. And we should provide a minimum of $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative as well.
"Even more importantly, we need to have an ongoing national dialogue about AIDS in our communities. In the coming weeks I will work with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to convene a national meeting to better address this issue among African Americans."
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