“I am pleased that President Bush recognizes the dire need for more assistance to battle the global AIDS epidemic, especially in Africa. With the energy and resources provided by PEPFAR and other programs, there has been impressive progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS worldwide, but the battle is far from won. Right now, only a small percentage of those who need life-saving drugs are receiving them, while millions more are contracting this preventable virus every year. PEPFAR’s achievements are noteworthy, but the success of this program and other initiatives must be part of a broader strategy to create sustainable, long-term solutions to deal with this devastating disease. I look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that the United States upholds its commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and improving health around the world.”

Senator Feingold is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs. He is the sponsor of S.Res.31, a resolution promoting, among other global health initiatives, increased U.S. engagement in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. On May 3, 2007, Senator Feingold, honorary co-chair of the CSIS Task Force on HIV/AIDS, offered remarks in support of PEPFAR reauthorization at a Task Force event. Those remarks are available at http://www.feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statements/07/05/20070503.htm.