Schakowsky Statement on 19th International AIDS Conference

Washington, D.C. — (July 19, 2012) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) gave the following statement today on the House floor to draw attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and abroad ahead of the XIX International AIDS Conference:

"The International AIDS Conference could not be returning to America at a better time. This year's conference could mark the turning point in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Advances in research are finally allowing us to picture the possibility of a generation that is free from this disease.

Despite great promise, there is still much to do.

Now more than ever, America must remain committed to leading the fight against HIV/AIDS, combating the crisis right here at home and abroad. Our continued support is absolutely vital to developing new treatments and prevention techniques, including microbicides, as well as for finding a cure.

The United States must continue to do everything we can to increase access to treatment for infected individuals around the globe, including the availability of life-saving drugs. Let this conference serve as a reminder of America's contribution to combating this epidemic, and a rallying cry for why we can't turn back now....

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