(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement after she helped pass the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 80-16.
"Today we have taken a major step forward in combating global health threats in the developing world. By renewing and strengthening legislation that has already saved countless lives in sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the world, America is again showing leadership in combating global health threats.
"This bill will provide life-saving drugs, expand prevention efforts, and provide for the millions of orphans and vulnerable children whose families have been decimated by these diseases. It also puts an end to a discriminatory and senseless policy that bans those with HIV/AIDS from entering our borders.
"By providing this funding for some of the world’s most vulnerable people, America is renewing its moral commitment to care for our global community."