The program has received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Even Thad Cochran voted for the measure. Roger Wicker joined forces with Larry Craig and David Vitter to oppose the measure. Considering the fact that he does not care about the working man in the States, it is not hard to believe that he would not care about the poor abroad.
From the One campaign, an activist group dedicated to fighting poverty who pushed hard for the passing of this needed legislation:
“Even as Americans face serious concerns at home, the Senate has proved America’s commitment to providing lifesaving medicines to the world’s most vulnerable people. PEPFAR is an investment in people around the world; but it is also an example of America’s generosity and a critical piece of American diplomacy. By treating and preventing disease and saving lives, we can help to create more stable communities and a more secure future for Americans.Nice vote Roger.
Senators Biden, Lugar and Reid are true heroes for their persistence and patience in passing this bill. This legislation received strong support from co-sponsoring Senators on both sides of the aisle, including both Presidential candidates.”
1. Here's an article following up on this vote and why this legislation IS important to Mississippi that appeared in the Clarion Ledger.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808030323
2. Here's the e-mail response from Wicker's office about how he voted for the bill in 2003 and has done NOTHING since then...
Thank you for contacting me regarding the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). I am glad to have the benefit of your views on this issue.
In January 2003, President George Bush proposed that the United States spend $15 billion over five years to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Africa through PEPFAR. In May 2003, Congress passed legislation authorizing $15 billion in funds for PEPFAR over five years and creating the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator to manage U.S. funds. I voted for this legislation creating PEPFAR.
The Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 5501) would reauthorize the PEPFAR program for five years and increase its funding to $48 billion. The House of Representatives and the Senate recently passed this legislation, and President Bush signed it into law on July 30, 2008.
Be assured I will keep your views in mind should Congress again consideration legislation affecting PEPFAR. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can ever assist you.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely Yours,
Roger F.Wicker
U.S. Senate