News

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act Passes House with Significant GOP Support

Bipartisan support of critical legislation will ensure parity and continued education, prevention and treatment programs in both urban and rural communities

October 21, 2009

(Washington, DC) - On Wednesday, October 21, 2009, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, 408 to 9.

"Having watched this disease afflict so many in my generation and still continue to affect so many today, I am proud of each and every legislator who voted to continue the critical support the Ryan White Care Program provides," comments Log Cabin Republicans National Chairman, Terry W. Hamilton. "This legislation will enhance the efforts and programs of many private and non-profit organizations already in place across the USA, making our nation's response to HIV/AIDS much more effective."

Log Cabin Republicans national spokesperson Charles T. Moran comments: "This legislation is critical to maintaining the health of our nation. We are heartened to see that an overwhelming majority of Republicans - 162 members, including the GOP leadership - supported the Ryan White extension, rejecting the extreme right's misguided and misinformed charges otherwise. Conservatives recognized that in support of this legislation three important pieces of the Ryan White Extension include education, prevention and data reporting - all critical components that prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS to begin with."

The original "Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act" was first enacted in August 1990 by the US Congress and is the United States' largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White Care Act funds programs to improve availability of care for low-income, uninsured and under-insured victims of AIDS and their families. The legislation has been reauthorized in 1996, 2000 and 2006.