From: HRCFCOMM@aol.com Date: Tue, 25 Jul 1995 17:56:59 -0400 Subject: RYAN WHITE SENATE VOTE - HELMS - CALL YOUR SENATORS TODAY ***************************************************************** 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. WE CANNOT RESPOND TO E-MAIL. ***************************************************************** Tuesday, JULY 25, 1995 5:00 p.m. RYAN WHITE CARE ACT UPDATE SENATE VOTE POSTPONED - HELMS TO OFFER ANTI-GAY AMENDMENTS CALL YOUR SENATOR AND SENATOR DOLE NOW! Although full Senate action on the Ryan White CARE Act was scheduled for Monday, July 24, opening debate began on Friday, July 21. Senator Helms charged homosexuals with exploiting Ryan White's death for political purposes: "The homosexual lobby has one of the toughest lobbying outfits in this country...they talk about little Ryan White...he died of AIDS, and now his name is being exploited as if the homosexuals didn't have anything to do with the tainted blood he got," among other things. There is no assurance that the CARE Act will come up before the August recess -- it is pending legislation along with other legislation. It is important that the Senate leadership (Dole, Daschle, Kassebaum) hears about how critical the CARE Act is to people infected and affected by HIV so that Majority Leader Dole brings the CARE Act to floor. We are concerned that amendments may be offered that would seek to deny CARE Act funds to community-based organizations that serve the gay community. Senator Helms claims that these organizations "promote or encourage homosexual activity or injection drug use." We are urging all Senators to oppose such amendments which would undermine the fundamental structure and purpose of the Act and pass S.641 expeditiously. The Ryan White CARE Act is a vital federal program providing care to thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS across the country. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and you will be connected to your Senators' offices. Ask to speak to the person who deals with AIDS issues. You can also fax and e-mail. Urge your Senators to oppose any negative amendments to the Ryan White CARE Act. 1101 14th Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 phone:(202)628-4160 fax:(202) 347-5323