Date:         Sun, 7 Apr 1996 20:49:10 -0400
From: Mary Ann Murphy <mamurphy@igc.apc.org>
Subject:      Ryan White CARE Act

Following is this month sample on an HIV/AIDS issue it is to be
sent to Rep. Waxman fax (202)225-4099 and Sen. Kennedy email
Senator@Kennedy.Senate.Gov

Others on the committee:
Sen. Kassebaum fax (202)224-3514
Rep. Bilirakis fax (202)225-4085  email TRUEREP@HR.HOUSE.GOV
Rep. Bliley fax (202)225-0011
Rep. Dingell fax (202)225-7426

Please let us know if you do call or write in response to this. It
helps us know if this effort is effective.


Hon. Henry Waxman
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515

Dear Representative Waxman:

For many months, reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act has
been stalled in a House-Senate Conference Committee, which
consists of Sen. Kassebaum, Sen. Kennedy, Rep. Bilirakis, Rep.
Bliley, Rep. Dingell and yourself. This is an unacceptable state
of affairs.

I urge you to  get this bill moving and to report an acceptable
bill out of the Committee as soon as possible.  After that, I
urge you to work for final passage of the reauthorization bill.

For me, an acceptable bill would strike the single appropriation
provision for Titles I and II. The original Ryan White CARE Act
of 1990 had separate line item appropriations for each Title. A
single appropriation will undermine the authority of Congress to
target limited resources and will likely result in a negative
impact on AIDS funding.

The single appropriation provision could also inadvertently deny
access to historically under served and hard-to-reach urban and
rural communities. It harms both cities and states. It is
inconsistent with the AIDS community request for FY 96
appropriations. In addition, as was done with Title II, Title I
formula grants to metropolitan areas should be kept at least at
the FY 95 level (the hold harmless provision) or there will be a
reduction of current services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Please urge the Conference Committee to send an acceptable
reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act to floor of the House
and Senate in the very near future. I appreciate your taking my
views into consideration.

Very truly yours