From: RAKNGLTF@aol.com Date: Thu, 27 Jul 1995 18:50:13 -0400 Subject: Senate passes Ryan White NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Robin Kane 202-332-6483, ext. 3311; rkane@ngltf.org RYAN WHITE CARE ACT PASSES SENATE IN 97 TO 3 VOTE Helms Fills Debate with Anti-Gay Rhetoric Washington, DC -- July 27, 1995 -- The Senate today passed the Ryan White CARE Act (S. 641) in a 97 to 3 vote. The CARE Act provides medical treatment and support services to thousands of people with HIV and AIDS. Only Senators Jesse Helms (R-NC), Bob Smith (R-NH) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) opposed the re-authorization measure. Sen. Helms, a longtime foe of civil rights for gay and lesbian people, used extensive floor time to attack gay people. Helms introduced five amendments intended to limit funding and access to the Ryan White CARE Act. One damaging amendment would prohibit use of federal funds "to promote or encourage, directly or indirectly, homosexuality...or intravenous drug use," with the terms "promote or encourage" defined as including "but is not limited to, affirming homosexuality as natural, normal, or healthy or, in the process of addressing related 'at-risk' issues, affirming in any way that engaging in a homosexual act is desirable, acceptable or permissible, or describing in any way techniques of homosexual sex." With such broad language, this measure would bar all accurate discussions of HIV transmission and could severely hamper the delivery of medical services to communities affected by AIDS. While that measure did pass in a 54 to 45 vote, an alternative amendment with far less sweeping language passed by a greater margin, 76 to 23. That amendment, offered by Sen. Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS), states that no funds shall be used "to promote or encourage, directly, intravenous drug use or sexual activity, whether homosexual or heterosexual." Any differences between alternative amendments are worked out later in conference committee. "The greater support for Kassebaum's amendment is a sign that sound public health policy will not be held hostage to Senator Helms' prejudices," said Kerry Lobel, Deputy Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). Other Helms amendments included a requirement for a state process to notify the spouse of people with HIV/AIDS (passed, 98 to 0); a cap on funding at 1995 levels for the next five years, despite the growing number of people with AIDS (failed, 33 to 66); a requirement that federal workplace trainings about AIDS be optional rather than mandatory (passed, 99 to 0); and a cap on funding related to funding for cancer, without taking into account various sources of funds (failed, 15 to 84). An alternative to the latter amendment was offered by Sen. Kassebaum to ensure that Congress consider all funding sources when considering spending for AIDS and cancer. That measure passed in a voice vote. Recently, Helms was quoted as saying that he wanted to reduce federal money spent on AIDS because it is "deliberate, disgusting, revolting conduct" that causes the disease. In Senate floor debate, Helms said "I don't hate homosexuals. I don't even know any homosexuals." Helms went on to repeat misinformation about condom safety, federal funding in treating various diseases, AIDS transmission and other issues. "After all these years of anti-gay diatribes on the Senate floor, Helms acknowledged that he has no real life contact with gay people," Lobel said. "Helms should not create policies based on myths and stereotypes, and should cease his abuse of the Senate's time. His Senate colleagues should send him a clear message that they will not tolerate these endless attacks." The Ryan White CARE Re-authorization Act has unanimously passed the House Commerce committee and is awaiting consideration on the House floor. No date is yet scheduled for a House vote. Following a House vote, any differences between the two bills or between amendments will be reconciled in conference committee. --end-- [Editor's note: Constituents should contact their Representative to urge passage of the Ryan White CARE Re-authorization Act (H.R. 1872) without amendments. Contact the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to speak with your Representative.]