House Committee Passage of Global AIDS Bill Warmly Welcomed by Population Action International

Population Action International (PAI) today welcomes the outcome of the House International Relations Committee mark-up of the global HIV/AIDS authorization bill, (H.R. 1298, United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003) which passed by a vote of 37-8. The bill outlines program priorities and policies for the $15 billion in HIV/AIDS funding pledged by President Bush in his 2004 State of the Union address.

"Chairman Hyde (R-IL) and Reps. Lantos (D-CA) and Lee (D-CA) provided the bipartisan leadership needed to successfully negotiate and pass this bill." says Amy Coen, President of PAI. "While many different interests vied for the heart and soul of this legislation, these legislators stayed focus on the needs of women and others especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. We commend them for their dedication."

Key achievements of today's mark-up include tripling U.S. assistance for HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and prevention within five years, authorizing an additional $10 billion above existing U.S. efforts.

PAI is particularly pleased by the passage of Rep. Barbara Lee's (D-CA) amendment endorsing a multi-faceted strategy toward HIV/AIDS prevention — one that includes the full ABCs (Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom). This amendment, approved by a vote of 24-20, substituted another offered by Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA), which would have placed a higher priority on the promotion of abstinence than other prevention approaches.

The committee defeated on a vote of 21-23 another amendment offered by Rep. Pitts, which would have extended a "conscience clause" for faith-based organizations to allow them to receive funding for HIV/AIDS prevention activities, even if they refused to mention or provide referrals on information about condoms or other prevention approaches with which they may disagree.

Regrettably a third amendment, offered by Chris Smith (R-NJ), also passed, requiring organizations receiving HIV/AIDS funding to certify that they oppose legalization of prostitution and the practice of sex trafficking. In the developing world, sex workers are especially vulnerable to HIV infection; requirements such as these may only hinder the willingness and ability of HIV/AIDS prevention programs to meet the needs of this at-risk population.

With regard to the three amendments advanced today, Coen notes, "HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services should be available to everyone who wants and needs them. Congress should remain committed to breaking down the barriers to accessing these life-saving — and life-preserving — services, not creating new ones."

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.