OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 21, 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

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Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.

In my home State of Florida and in my community in the Tampa Bay area, Ryan White Services are vital. This critical program helps to preserve the lives of many in our communities living with HIV and AIDS. I have heard from so many of my neighbors in recent weeks, pleading that Congress act to ensure that this lifeline continues--today we answer their plea.

In 2004, Ryan White assisted well over 100,000 patients in Florida and nearly 13,000 family members of people living with HIV/AIDS. Those numbers continue to rise.

My community is very active in the Ryan White program. There are many nonprofit organizations that help to facilitate Ryan White and put the program dollars to good use.

I'd like to thank all of the participating organizations in my home town for their work with Ryan White--Metropolitan Charities in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, Operation Hope of Pinellas and the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, to name just a few that are changing lives for my neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, the Ryan White Program is the only true safety net for many people living with HIV/AIDS to compensate for the lack of health insurance and care that is often not covered by insurers. I look forward to reporting to my neighbors that they can rest assured that this vital program will not be lost.

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