Ryan White CARE
Act moves through Congress

The U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution for the Ryan White CARE Act on Wednesday, three weeks after the House passed the bill. The bill contains a $70 million increase in provided assistance.

Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese said in a press release that the Ryan White Act acts as a lifeline for more than 500,000 Americans with HIV/AIDS. "We are optimistic that this new funding is just the first of many efforts by the new congressional leadership to adequately fund this vital program," he said. "After six years of cuts and flat-funding, each title of the CARE Act must receive increases as the new Congress begins the 2008 appropriations cycle."

Legislators compromised to draft a bill reauthorizing the act, and it was signed into law by President Bush. (The Advocate)