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Bush to Congress: No AIDS Program Changes
On his visit to Africa, President Bush called on Congress to approve his signature AIDS relief funding for the continent without any changes currently under discussion amongst the Democratic leadership. He made the call from Tanzania, one country that has benefitted greatly from the program, which has become the largest international public health program dedicated to one disease. President Bush proposed the five-year $15 billion program in his first State of the Union Address in 2002. Last month, in his last State of the Union, he called for the program to renewed and doubled in size to $30 billion.Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete (above) praised Bush and the AIDS relief program, which has increased the number of Africans on anti-retroviral medications to 1.2 million from just 50,000 before the program was approved.
"Different people may have different views about you and your administration and your legacy. But we in Tanzania, we know for sure that you, Mr. President, and your administration, have been good friends of our country and have been good friends of Africa."
Democrats in Congress have been debating a renewal of the program but are seeking certain changes that the Administration opposes. Congress wants to drop a requirement that one-third of U.S. monies be spent on abstinence education. It also wants to see a provision that certain groups sign anti-prostitution pledges in order to be eligible for U.S. aid. Some Democrats also want to see the size of the program increased, calling the proposed $30 billion too little.
Bush dismissed those concerns, defending the program and the renewal request.
"I understand there's voices on both ends of the political spectrum trying to alter the program. I would ask Congress to listen to leaders on the continent of Africa, analyze what works, stop the squabbling and get the program reauthorized. I happen to think the current policy is reasonable. After all, it's working."
Bush backed up his claims with a visit to a local AIDS treatment hospital, funded partly by U.S. aid dollars. The president chatted with physicians and patients and saw the children who are receiving the benefits of the program. President Kikwete lent the president a hand in lobbying Congress for the renewal. "My passionate appeal is for PEPFAR [the AIDS funding] to continue," he said.
The Administration is very pleased with its progress on the African continent. While much of the rest of the world does not harbor warm feelings for the outgoing Bush Administration, Africa is a place where Bush is generally recognized as a good friend. The Administration is also stung by the scant media attention its Africa initiatives have received. The AIDS program and the Millennium Challenge Accounts are considered by the Administration to be two of Mr. Bush's greatest legacy items. The White House will continue to push hard for renewals of both programs in their current form.
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(Page 1 of 1)Tell The Truth Obama11:21AMFeb 18th 2008
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carolzboo11:33AMFeb 18th 2008
I don't see why we are spending so much money on Aids in other countries, when Aids is a totally preventable disease and we should be putting those funds to good use in research and treatment for a cure for cancers in our own country. It is sad that innocent children get caught up in this from the poor sexual choices of others, but throwing money at it won't stop the spread, maybe education about what causes it might. I have lost family to Aids and in all cases it was because they used poor sexual judgement and I don't think we should have to pay for their mistakes and until we stop the poor choices the problem will continue. This don't mean I don't think we shouldn treat those who have contracted the disease here in this country, but we are putting a lot of effort and money into a disease that could easily be prevented by good sensible sexual practices.
Tony1:57PMFeb 18th 2008
RIOT500010:21AMFeb 18th 2008
AIDS releif, a La Bill and Mellinda Gates.
Bush did not do squat as usual, except taking credit for other peoples work
Abstinence is Bush's way of fighing HIV, white Jenna Bush is here screwing whatever and whoever she pleases.
George W Bush HATES BLACK PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
Buffoon par exellence
KANYA WEST IS THAT YOU..HA HA....MORON.
Tony2:08PMFeb 18th 2008
RIOT500010:21AMFeb 18th 2008
AIDS releif, a La Bill and Mellinda Gates.
Bush did not do squat as usual, except taking credit for other peoples work
Abstinence is Bush's way of fighing HIV, white Jenna Bush is here screwing whatever and whoever she pleases.
George W Bush HATES BLACK PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
Buffoon par exellence
Peddle your Bull elsewhere,loser.
Cynthia Vertrees2:38PMFeb 18th 2008
The money is better spent on the American people. If we give our tax dollars to Africa, the leaders of those countries will just pocket the money and none of their people will be educated on the consequences of having unprotected sex and the problem will go on and on and on.
plusbabysissy11:05PMFeb 18th 2008
Bush has proven what a poor president and leader he is from day 1. He has led this country into the poor house, has lost the respect of the world the USA USED to have, has murdered tens of thousands in Iraq based on his power hungry ego, lies and manipulations. he is almost out.
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RIOT500010:21AMFeb 18th 2008
AIDS releif, a La Bill and Mellinda Gates.
Bush did not do squat as usual, except taking credit for other peoples work
Abstinence is Bush's way of fighing HIV, white Jenna Bush is here screwing whatever and whoever she pleases.
George W Bush HATES BLACK PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
Buffoon par exellence