Senate Passes Bill Reauthorizing President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

On July 16, 2008, the Senate passed the landmark Lantos-Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5501), authorizing crucial funding to fight these diseases. The House approved its version of the bill in April. The legislation calls for $48 billion over five years and includes special provisions for:

• Increasing funds for malaria and tuberculosis programs
• Preventing HIV infections among women and girls
• Expanding treatment and care for people living with HIV and AIDS

While the Senate bill maintains the anti-prostitution loyalty oath—restricting funding for organizations that refuse to denounce prostitution—it includes important progressive amendments: A law that has been in place for 21 years banning foreign travelers living with HIV from visiting or gaining residency in the U.S. has been overturned. And while the bill still includes language calling for abstinence programs, it does not include the previous requirement that at least one-third of HIV prevention funds be spent on abstinence-only education and programs—which represents a positive step forward.

In the coming weeks, the full Congress will convene and send a final bill to President Bush for signature. We will continue to keep you informed.