May 30, 2007

Bush Seeks Doubled AIDS Funding

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden this afternoon, President Bush asked Congress to approve an additional $30 million for AIDS prevention, treatment and support care for millions of people around the world. If met, his request would double the current level of U.S. funding through the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Relief, which is set to expire in 2008. Bush asked Congress to renew that program for another five years after his departure from office.

Bush also announced that first lady Laura Bush will visit Zambia, Senegal, Mali and Mozambique next month to visit areas funded by the U.S. program.

In anticipation of Bush's speech, the Washington Post reported this morning that the announcement "comes in a week when he is highlighting his administration's commitment to international development and human rights protections -- both of which will be major items for discussion next week when he joins other world leaders at a Group of Eight summit meeting in Germany."

Posted at 1:13 PM
Posted to: Africa, Bush Administration, Health
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