BIDEN/LUGAR Global AIDS Bill Becomes Law

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Biden/Lugar Legislation Authorizing $48 Billion for HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB

Washington, DC – Historic legislation sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) and Ranking Member Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) to authorize $48 billion for global HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis programs for the next five fiscal years became law today. Senators Biden and Lugar were present in the East Room of the White House as the President signed the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 – a landmark step in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS and other deadly diseases.

“In 2003, we launched the largest public health program the world had ever seen and it had a dramatic impact, saving millions of lives,” said Senator Joe Biden. “We’ve made tremendous strides, but our work is not nearly finished. Two million people died last year of HIV/AIDS. Over two and a half million people died of malaria and TB. That’s over 10,000 people killed per day – per day – because of these diseases. An entire generation – and the stability of many countries – remains at risk. It is our moral obligation to lead the world in this fight. This legislation is a product of bipartisan and bicameral compromise and shared commitment to saving lives worldwide. I would also like to thank the President. His decision to launch this initiative was bold and unexpected, and I believe historians may regard it as his finest hour. I’m proud to be here with Senator Lugar as the President signs the bill into law.”

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http://biden.senate.gov/press/press_releases/release/?id=1cf7ad2f-e603-470e-bbf5-9efe6d5fd0a4