RYAN WHITE: Senate Committee Passes Reauthorization Bill

      The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee yesterday approved by unanimous voice vote the Ryan White CARE Act Amendment of 2000, which would reauthorize the HIV/AIDS legislation that provides funding for medications, medical care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The measure now moves to the Senate floor for a full vote. Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), who co-sponsored the measure, said "Given the fact that federal dollars are what community services and care depend on, this is very important money." Previously, cities were required to log at least 2,000 new AIDS cases during the past five years in order to be eligible for Ryan White funding; however, a provision included by Frist would lower the funding threshold to 1,000 AIDS cases, "in recognition of the fact that the AIDS epidemic has spread from major cities into more rural areas." He said, "For too long, funding support for some communities ... has been inadequate. I believe this bill will provide critical funding for communities trying to manage this epidemic" (Snyder, Nashville Tennessean, 4/13).