From HRCFCOMM@aol.com Wed Jun 21 14:28:37 1995 Date: Wed, 21 Jun 1995 17:41:21 -0400 ***************************************************************** ACTION ALERT ACTION ALERT ACTION ALERT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND The Nation's Largest Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Political Group ***************************************************************** To contact the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND, please call us at (202)628-4160, fax us at (202) 347-5323 or write to us at PO Box 1396 Washington, DC 20013. ***************************************************************** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE, 1995 HRCF ACTION ALERT COLUMN: HELMS THREATENS VITAL HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS -- Urge Bob Dole to Bring Ryan White CARE Act to Senate Floor -- The Ryan White CARE Act is the leading source of federal funding for the care of people with HIV/AIDS. This life-saving help will run out in September if Congress does not act now to renew the program. Senator Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) has put a hold on the CARE Act, threatening to stall the bill until it expires. Congress must act now to ensure that people with HIV/AIDS get the help they need. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) has cosponsored the bill. He can override Helms' hold and bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. This is no time to retreat on AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control has reported that AIDS is the leading killer of all Americans aged 25-44. The federal government has a responsibility to help states and cities address this national health crisis. A poll commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) found that 77% of Americans favor increasing or maintaining federal funding for AIDS care. The Ryan White CARE Act provides necessary federal support while allowing local communities to decide how dollars are best spent. As HRCF staffers fight for the CARE Act on Capitol Hill, Senator Dole and the rest of Congress must hear from the majority of Americans who support it. What You Can Do 1. Urge Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole to bring the Ryan White CARE Act (S. 641) to the Senate floor for a vote. . Call Senator Dole at (202) 224-6521. . Fax him at (202) 224-8952. . Mail him a letter. The sample below provides his address and a guide for what to say. Include your name and address when you write. ***************************************************************** The Honorable Robert Dole 141 Hart Senate Office Building United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Dole: I am writing to express my strong support for the Ryan White CARE Act (S. 641) and to thank you for cosponsoring this important legislation. The Ryan White CARE Act serves as a lifeline for thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. I am gravely concerned that Senator Helms is preventing floor action on S. 641, despite its broad bipartisan support in the Senate. I urge you to bring S. 641 to the Senate floor for debate at the earliest possible time. Sincerely, ___________ ***************************************************************** 2. Urge your Senators and Representative to support the Ryan White CARE Act and oppose any cuts in AIDS funding. . Call them. Dial the U.S. Capitol at (202) 224-3121. If you aren't sure who your Senators and Representative are, just ask the switchboard operator. When you are connected to your Member's office, ask to speak to the staffer who handles AIDS issues. . Write to them. Include your name and address, and send your politely worded letter to: The Honorable ___________ The Honorable ___________ U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 . Fax and e-mail them. Call and ask for their fax numbers. Some Members of Congress have gone on-line, so ask for their e-mail addresses as well. 3. Copy this Action Alert column for your friends and ask them to help too. The more Ryan White supporters Congress hears from, the sooner this vital funding bill will be renewed. For more information, call HRCF. Our Federal Advocacy Network (FAN) will provide information on contacting your elected officials. Call (202) 628-4160 or write FAN at HRCF, P.O. Box 1396, Washington, DC 20013. The Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF), the nation's largest lesbian and gay political organization, works to end discrimination, secure equal rights, and protect the health and safety of all Americans. To join, call (800) 777-HRCF (777-4723). - 30 - 1101 14th Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 phone:(202)628-4160 fax:(202) 347-5323