WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) issued the following remarks today following the passage of H.R. 3792, The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.  The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 408 - 9.

“Nearly twenty years after the enactment of the landmark Ryan White Act, Congress renewed its commitment today to provide primary medical care and treatment for uninsured or underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS.  For nearly two decades, low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS have relied on the life-saving benefits offered under this program, and I am pleased to join my colleagues in reauthorizing this important legislation.”

Currently, New York State is home to 120,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, the second highest rate of reported AIDS cases in the nation – including 25,000 who reside in Brooklyn.

The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act has been a lifeline for many Americans living with HIV/AIDS since it first became law in 1990.  As medical costs continue to rise, the reauthorization comes at a critical time, with an important five percent increase across every category of funding.  Additionally, several new provisions included in the bill focus on reducing the disparities in access to health care among racial and ethnic groups who are disproportionately affected by the virus.

“By reauthorizing the Ryan White Care Act, we not only restore a sense of hope and dignity for those dealing with the everyday struggles of this disease, but we also demonstrate our nation’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that the 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS have access to quality care and treatment,” added Rep. Towns.

###

Return to Congressman Towns' website