Opening Statement by U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush
in support of the
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009
Markup Hearing

WASHINGTON – "Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank and commend you and the rest of the Committee for producing what I hope becomes a substantial change in the way the Ryan White program has been administered and delivered, particularly in minority, uninsured and underinsured communities.

"As we all know, historically, there have been significant challenges in Ryan White dollars finding their way into many communities that need it most—particularly minority communities.

"It is my hope that the efforts of the HIV/AIDS community, alongside Ms. Christensen—our tireless leader when it comes to healthcare disparities—me, and other champions of the underprivileged will have improved this situation, in the next round of Ryan White programming, with the changes proposed in the extension we’re considering today.

"I am proud to have worked with the Tri-Caucus and the minority AIDS community to resurrect the formula-based funding approach, and to ease some of the administrative barriers that have locked out many deserving and qualified providers of care.

"I am eagerly awaiting what the GAO will report to Congress on ways to improve capacity-building for smaller entities under the Minority AIDS Initiative.  I hope that this legislation achieves its desired effect in better ensuring equity when it comes to the distribution of funds to low-income, urban and rural areas with high minority incidence of HIV and AIDS.

"I thank this Committee for its hard work, and I am hopeful that we have achieved some meaningful change in how this program is administered in the future.  Thank you, and I yield back my time."