Seven Republicans Block AIDS Bill

By Cernig

Bush's AIDS program has been described by many, including even his critics, as his greatest diplomatic and foreign policy success and has alleviated the suffering of millions. But now seven Republicans are calling a halt on an expansion of the program, "the best ambassador the U.S. has ever had", because they're scared about straight talk and direct action on the ways in which gay sex and drug use affect the spread of the disease.

...the seven socially conservative senators, led by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., refuse to support the legislation unless spending focuses more heavily on treatment than on prevention.

In a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the seven senators — Coburn, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Jim Bunning of Kentucky, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Jeff Sessions of Alabama and David Vitter of Louisiana — criticized the bills' increased spending over the next five years from $15 billion to $50 billion, the expansion of AIDS funding to countries such as China and India and the inclusion of funding for agricultural-assistance and poverty-alleviation programs.

"The bills' support would allow morally questionable activities, including advocating with host governments to change gender norms and policies and promoting activities that could include needle distribution to drug users," the senators wrote.

The White House, McConnell and Majority Leader Reid are all supporting the legislation as are a wide range of humanitarian groups.

Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu recently pressed McConnell to convince the Republican senators who've balked to pass the legislation.

"With the quick passage of this legislation, the United States could send a strong signal of its continuing global health leadership that will leverage support from other G-8 nations," Tutu wrote in a letter to McConnell. "That is why I am so deeply troubled by the impasse in the U.S. Senate regarding this legislation. I see signs that global determination to keep the promises made on AIDS, TB and malaria is waning, and I know that passage of this legislation, prior to the G-8, is crucial to regaining momentum."

..."The AIDS program has been the best ambassador the U.S. has ever had. It's exactly why the president was welcomed when he went to Africa earlier this year. It has strengthened U.S. diplomacy," said David Bryden, the communications director for the Global AIDS Alliance, an international advocacy group.

If these Republicans have their way, thousands will die so they can indulge their own sense of moral rectitude - and, by the by, America's image abroad will again be tarnished when it used to shine. Nice move, senators.

Comments

[Chuck Adkins]

My God. Whatever happened to compassionate Conservatives?

On the other hand, I can see the point on spending. But geez, this is an important cause.

[Don SinFalta]

So, the opposition of 7 Republican Senators causes an "impasse"? How? Or is Tutu just confused? Last I checked, it takes 40 votes to stop legislation from progressing. If 7 Republicans can stop this, why can't 7 Democrats stop the FISA bill?

[Don SinFalta]

So, the opposition of 7 Republican Senators causes an "impasse"? How? Or is Tutu just confused? Last I checked, it takes 40 votes to stop legislation from progressing. If 7 Republicans can stop this, why can't 7 Democrats stop the FISA bill?