Sen. Bill Frist Prepares for Fight in Senate over AIDS Funding

Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is gearing up for a Senate fight over a measure that would boost funding to fight AIDS abroad. "It's going to be a struggle," Frist said Wednesday of his efforts to include the provision in the $31.4 billion anti-terrorism spending bill being considered by the Senate. Sponsored by Frist and Sen. Jesse Helms (R- N.C.), the measure would add $400 million to the $100 million already in the bill for the global AIDS fight.

Frist said he wants the money to go toward treatments that would prevent newborns from contracting AIDS from their mothers. "We are obligated, I believe, to take a more aggressive stance as a nation to fight this global health crisis," he said.

Frist predicted the amendment would be considered in the Senate within a few days. He said some of his colleagues do not support it because of a threat by President Bush to veto the bill over cost concerns. Bush asked Congress in March for $27.1 billion in anti-terror measures for the rest of the federal fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Like the Senate measure, his plan is dominated by funds for defense, intelligence, aviation safety, local law enforcement and aid to help New York rebuild from the Sept. 11 attacks. Frist said he was studying the bill to see if some projects could be pulled out to make room for the AIDS funding.

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