July 11, 2008

Senators have yet to reach a bipartisan consensus and schedule a vote on S. 2731, the U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, also known as PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  The 5-year, $15 billion program, now in it 4th year, is up for reauthorization. It provides critical medical therapy, outreach activities, and care and support services for individuals and families impacted by the AIDS pandemic in 15 countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

The House of Representatives passed its version of the PEPFAR bill (H.R. 5501) in early April while the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed its bill in March.  Since then, the bill has been stalled with no vote scheduled for the full Senate.  Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have been working hard to make improvements to the Senate bill and as stated in a recent letter, urged the Senate leadership to broker a consensus on the bill and schedule it for a vote expeditiously.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday filed a cloture motion that sets up a vote to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief today.

Prompt reauthorization of PEPFAR assures that this critical life-saving work continues among the poorest and most vulnerable people among us.  PEPFAR is an urgent piece of legislation that saves lives and eases suffering on a massive scale.  CLICK HERE to read more and to take action.