Global AIDS Bill To Be Considered By House

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 03 Apr 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The House Rules Committee on Tuesday by voice vote allowed a bill (HR 5501) that would reauthorize the U.S. global HIV/AIDS program to be considered by the full House, CQ Today reports. According to CQ Today, compromises reached on the bill in the House Foreign Affairs Committee appear to be "alive and well" after the Rules Committee rejected floor consideration of several amendments (Graham-Silverman, CQ Today, 4/1).

The bill would authorize $50 billion for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief over the next five years. The measure reflects a compromise reached between House leaders from both parties and the White House. Although it removes a provision included in PEPFAR's original mandate that would have required one-third of HIV prevention funding to be spent on abstinence-only education, the bill includes new language requiring "balanced funding" for prevention programs that ensure that abstinence and faithfulness teachings "are implemented and funded in a meaningful way." Under the measure, countries that spend less than 50% of funding for the prevention of the sexual transmission of HIV on abstinence and fidelity programs will be required to explain the decision to Congress.

The bill retains the so-called "anti-prostitution" pledge. In addition, the compromise bill would allow funding for HIV testing and education in family planning clinics. PEPFAR money cannot be used for contraception or abortion. In the final negotiations over the committee bill, language was dropped that would have authorized the use of PEPFAR funds for contraceptive services in programs where HIV-positive women are receiving treatment. The compromise bill also would fund loans to women whose husbands have died of the disease or who have been ostracized for being HIV-positive (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/28).

The Rules Committee on Tuesday rejected an amendment offered by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) that would have eliminated a phrase in the bill that advocates say could cut off funding for HIV/AIDS services provided by family planning groups that already receive PEPFAR money. Forty-five public health groups last week signed a letter supporting McCollum's efforts, according to CQ Today. The committee also rejected amendments offered by Reps. John Campbell (R-Calif.) and Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) that would have reduced the funding authorization level. The House is expected to begin floor debate on the measure Wednesday. The Senate's version of the bill (S 2731) is awaiting floor action (CQ Today, 4/1).

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