RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - September 28, 2006)
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Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Ryan White CARE Act and the great care that it offers for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. But today I reluctantly rise in opposition to this legislation because it contains flawed provisions with harsh and negative effects for New York's Hudson Valley and New York State.
I represent Dutchess County, New York, and the eligible metropolitan area in that county. If this bill is passed, Dutchess County would lose up to 5 percent the first year, and then incrementally more in the second and third year. And by the fourth year, all funds for title I would be eliminated for Dutchess County.
Title I money goes for support and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. The patients benefiting from these services simply will not get their needed medication because the program won't exist. If the funds to Dutchess County disappear, there is absolutely nowhere near where the HIV/AIDS patients would be able to go for support, services, and medication because the entire State is suffering from the cuts for New York that this bill calls for.
This means over 1,600 people in Dutchess County alone will lose out with the passage of the Ryan White CARE Act in its current form. This is unacceptable, and that is why I reluctantly ask that you vote against H.R. 6143 at this time. This legislation should be brought up under regular order so that amendments can be offered.
And while I strongly support the Ryan White Act, the HIV/AIDS problem is a problem that requires resources to fight. While we recognize the need to direct attention to those communities where this is an emerging problem, we must not do so at the cost of the places that need it the most. People in my district and the people of New York need these lifesaving funds. Please don't take away from them. Vote against H.R. 6143.
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