Senate Full Appropriations Committee Approves $21 Million Increase in Funding for AIDS Housing

Senate Votes to Ban Federal Funding for Needle Exchange

Contact: media@aidsaction.org or call: 202- 986-1300

The Senate voted Tuesday June 9, 1998 to add a provision to Senator John McCain's (R-AZ) tobacco bill that would ban federal funding of needle exchange programs. The provision was part of a larger amendment introduced by Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA), which would divert $18 billion over five years in tobacco-tax revenue to anti-drug programs. The amendment passed by a vote of 52-46. To gain information on how your Senator voted on the anti-drug amendment please refer to our website at www.aidsaction.org. The Senate also rejected, by a vote of 45-53, an alternative amendment by Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) that would have imposed a one-year moratorium on needle exchanges. The House passed a permanent needle-exchange ban on April 29 by a vote of 287-140. It is unclear when or if the House will act on tobacco legislation.

The full Senate Appropriations Committee voted June 11, 1998 to increase FY 99 funding levels for AIDS housing programs by $21 million, for a total of $225 million. This increase reflects President Clinton's request in his budget plans for the next fiscal year. Although AIDS Action advocated for an increase of $46 million, this substantial increase is a victory for the AIDS housing community in the wake of many recent setbacks in AIDS policy. The House VA/HUD Appropriations Subcommittee is expected to vote on this bill next Thursday, June 18.

AIDS Action

Contact your Representatives if they are on the House VA/HUD Subcommittee (listed below). Let them know the importance of increased funding for AIDS housing.

(Contact them by dialing the Congressional operator at 202-224-3121.)

Jerry Lewis (R-CA), Chairman
Louis Stokes (D-OH)
Tom Delay (R-TX)
Alan B. Mollohan (D-WV)
James T. Walsh (R-NY)
Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
David L. Hobson (R-OH)
Carrie Meek (D-FL)
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
David E. Price (D-NC)
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ)
Mark W. Neumann (R-WI)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)

State of AIDS: 1998 -- Virtual Vaccine

"The State of AIDS Forum" is July 20, 1998 at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. The theme for this year's event is "Prevention: The Virtual Vaccine." This widely-attended and high-profile event will showcase the most innovative and effective prevention programs from around the country.

Please contact Kelly Kent at 202-986-1300 ext.3060 or at kkent@aidsaction.org to submit information about innovative prevention programs implemented within your community.