California Representative Lee Urges United States to Fight Global AIDS Scourge

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) is leading a charge for a "major new US initiative" to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. In a letter to President Bush last week, Lee and 31 other members of the Congressional Black Caucus called for $2.5 billion toward global AIDS programs in 2004. In early 2002, the Bush administration made a much-heralded push for the $500 million AIDS program aimed at fighting the deadly pandemic. But at the last minute, the White House pulled support from its own proposal, and GOP lawmakers instead offered a scaled-back $200 million plan. Congressional inaction, however, has prevented that money from coming through. In the meantime, Bush pledged support for domestic and international disease initiatives as he proclaimed World AIDS Day. "My administration remains strongly committed to supporting research that treats those living with HIV/AIDS, prevents the spread of this disease, and that can develop a cure," Bush said.

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