Announcement By The Chairman

Floor Speech

Announcement by the Chairman -- (House of Representatives - July 17, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Chairman, I congratulate the chairman and ranking member on a very well-crafted and bipartisan bill. I'd like to particularly thank the chairman for including a nearly $100 million increase to the Ryan White CARE Act.

My amendment would add a $3.5 million increase to Ryan White title IV funding.

Title IV's unique model of coordinated, family-centered care has proven successful at promoting better health. HIV-positive children treated by title IV have reduced hospitalizations, fewer symptoms, and fewer opportunistic infections, resulting in overall improved health and longer life. Babies are more likely to be born HIV-free if their HIV-positive mothers receive prenatal care through a title IV program.

Nearly 90 percent of the people cared for by title IV live below the poverty level, and 88 percent are African American or Latino.

As HIV infections in women and young people continue to rise, disproportionately impacting low-income women and youth of color, title IV programs have needed additional resources in recent years.

A $3.5 million increase to title IV will prevent cuts to HIV services for women, children, youth and families living with HIV. Even this modest increase can help bring more pregnant women and young people into care and keep them in care.

Madam Chairman, I thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member as well, and I want to acknowledge the advocacy and support of Congressman Hank Johnson from the State of Georgia as well.

Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source