Booker, Sullivan Introduce World AIDS Day Resolution
Booker, Sullivan Introduce World AIDS Day Resolution
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day, including the goal to achieve zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The resolution recognizes current efforts made by the United States and international organizations in combatting HIV/AIDS while also encouraging greater coordination between the global community to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón.
“Each year, thousands of Americans are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, with Black and Brown communities being disproportionately affected by the disease,” said Sen. Booker. “As we commemorate World AIDS Day, this is also the time for us to recommit to finally eradicating HIV/AIDS in the United States and worldwide by scaling up support for prevention, treatment and research programs and improving access to life-saving medications, especially for vulnerable populations.”
“As we continue to battle COVID-19, World AIDS Day is an important reminder of the millions of people living with another virus—HIV,” said Senator Sullivan. “Since coming to the Senate, I’ve been an ardent supporter of robust funding for PEPFAR, a federal program started by President Bush that has treated nearly 15 million people around the world. I’m glad to join Senator Booker and our House colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize World AIDS Day and the critical work being done to prevent infections and save lives.”
“On World AIDS Day, we remember those who have lost their struggle against this disease, their families and loved ones, and the millions more who continue to live with and fight against it,” said Rep. Lee. “This is the moment that we must all enact the political and moral will to bring equitable care and services for the LGBTQI+ community, sex workers, racial and ethnic minorities, and women and girls. We will only end AIDS if we address the deep disparities in access to sexual and reproductive care, life-saving HIV services, and education.
“As we mark the 33rd World AIDS Day, it is imperative that we address stigma, discrimination, and repeal punitive laws against people living with HIV. We must come together to protect lifesaving public health programs to realize our shared goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation. I’m proud to be working with co-chair Rep. Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon on this effort and I stand with the HIV community, their families, advocates, and my colleagues, to recognize the progress we have made over the years, but to fully commit to the work that remains.”
“As we commemorate World AIDS Day, I am proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing bicameral resolution to continue our efforts in spreading awareness about HIV and continue our efforts to prevention, care and treatment,” said Rep. González-Colón. “This is a mission I care about deeply, as in my district, two people become newly infected with HIV every day. It’s imperative we continue supporting those living with this virus and their families, as we continue working in crafting common sense policies and programs to improve research and treatment and end the HIV epidemic.”
The resolution was endorsed by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, AIDS Alabama, the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors, Friends of the Global Fight, The AIDS Institute, RESULTS, NMAC, and ONE.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
