December 18, 2024

Representative Lee Introduces PEPFAR Reauthorization

Lee also announced Congresswoman Robin Kelly will lead the fight to reauthorize PEPFAR in the 119th Congress

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12), co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, today reintroduced legislation to extend the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. Lee worked with President George W. Bush and a broad community of activists, community leaders and clinicians to establish PEPFAR in 2003. Since its inception, PEPFAR has been critical in the fight against HIV&AIDS and has been credited with saving over 25 million lives.

“Thanks to PEPFAR, millions of lives have been saved through HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and education. But Congress must recommit to this fight,” said Congresswoman Lee. “For over 20 years, PEPFAR has been a testament to the bipartisan cooperation on U.S. leadership in global public health.  We are so close to ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic; we can’t stop until we defeat AIDS for everyone, everywhere. As many around the world still do not have the resources and care they need, Congress must do the important work to protect and reauthorize PEPFAR.  I am optimistic that the 119th Congress will again find the bipartisan will to extend PEPFAR’s lifesaving work. We have an obligation not only to millions of AIDS patients across the globe, but to the activists, advocates, clinicians, and implementers who have worked tirelessly to create and sustain this program and keep it fully funded.”

Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who will lead the fight to reauthorize PEPFAR in the 119th Congress, said: “I am honored to carry Congresswoman Lee’s legacy into next Congress and save lives from HIV and AIDS. She laid out a roadmap in PEPFAR to combat this epidemic in countries worldwide, and we must continue to fund this critical program. Congresswoman Lee, a mentor to many legislators, has proven that great progress can be achieved in the fight to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS. As the US further engages in the global effort against HIV and AIDS, I look forward to working with advocates to reauthorize one of the world's most successful health programs."

“PEPFAR represents the very best of American leadership. As a result of over 20 years of bipartisan commitment, 25 million lives have been saved, and an AIDS-free generation is within our reach. Reauthorizing PEPFAR for another five years demonstrates the American people’s generosity and our commitment to global health and ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

This clean reauthorization would extend the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program for five years. Since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has invested over $110 billion in countries all over the world to prevent infections, strengthen global health security, combat stigma, and achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030.

Since entering Congress, Lee has authored or co-authored every major piece of HIV/AIDS legislation, both domestic and global. Throughout her career, Lee has supported prevention, education, research and access to treatment while combatting stigma of HIV/AIDs. As co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, Lee has Led the effort to advance legislation that addresses the HIV/AIDS pandemic while raising awareness about the virus and its impact.

“Under the leadership of Representative Robin Kelly, I am confident that we will achieve the robust federal funding and the substantial investments that we need to end the HIV and AIDS pandemic for everyone, everywhere,” said Congresswoman Lee.

To read the PEPFAR Extension Act of 2024, click here.