Obama Urged to Sign HIV/AIDS Care Bill

Now that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 has won overwhelming support in both chambers of Congress, the HIV Medicine Association has called on President Obama to sign it at once. "We call on the president to quickly sign this legislation to ensure that our patients have access to the care they need," said Dr. Michael S. Saag, the group's chair-elect. Because the version approved in a 408-9 vote Wednesday by the House was identical to the one the Senate passed by unanimous consent, the bill moved directly to the White House, which has signaled its support. The extension provides a 5 percent annual increase in funding for the program, which helps some 530,000 low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.

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