RYAN WHITE CARE ACT: Reauthorization Bill Clears Senate
The Senate last night unanimously approved a bill that would reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act. "Reauthorizing the CARE Act is one of the most important things this Congress will do," AIDS Action Acting Executive Director Claudia French said, adding, "The Senate's action today moves us a step closer to securing continued health care for all low-income Americans with HIV and AIDS." French singled out Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and James Jeffords (R-Vt.) for "their unwavering commitment to all people living with HIV and AIDS." The legislation, which funds community-based organizations nationwide that provide health care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS, now heads to the House, where AIDS Action will concentrate its next efforts. "It might be tough to get this done with the few legislative days that remain," French said, noting that "AIDS Action is committed to working closely with Reps. [Tom] Coburn (R-Okla.) and [Henry] Waxman (D-Calif.) and all members who understand how important it is that this bill is enacted in this session" (AIDS Action release, 6/6).
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