The House Republican Leadership has released an appropriations omnibus bill that includes language banning the use of federal funding for syringe exchange programs. This policy-rider is included in the bill, despite proven evidence that syringe exchange programs are a key tool in our viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS prevention arsenal. Additionally, this is particularly troubling in an era in which reducing new infections is a principle goal of the HHS Viral Hepatitis Action Plan. While the House bill has been released to the public, there remain opportunities to oppose this measure.
Viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS community advocates continue a multi-pronged strategy to ensure this measure is not included in the final FY2012 appropriations bill, including reaching out to key House and Senate allies. While the House has made its bill public, there is an opportunity to weigh-in with the Senate (i.e., both your own U.S. Senators and key Senate Leadership negotiating the scope of the bill and any potential policy-riders). Calls on this issue to individual offices can make a difference.
Please take a couple of minutes to call the White House, your Senator (click here to access the Senate directory) and Senate Leadership in this order:
Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader - 202-224-3542
Dick Durbin, Senate Majority Whip - 202-224-2152
Chuck Schumer, Democratic Policy Committee Chair - 202-224-6542
Daniel Inouye, Appropriations Chairman - 202-224-3934
Tom Harkin, HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair- 202-224-3254
President Obama- 202-456-1414
YOUR SENATORS (click here to access the Senate directory)
Here is a script you can use for calls:
“My name is _______ and I’m from ______, __ (city, state). I support maintaining current language that allows local officials to make their own decisions to use federal and local Washington DC funds for syringe exchange. This evidence-based prevention approach will reduce new HIV and viral hepatitis infections, which is a key goal of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan. The House proposed bill includes a ban on the use of federal resources for these important programs, which will harm HIV and viral hepatitis prevention efforts. Please do not allow a change in the current law. Thank you.”
Please take the time to call and to pass this message on to your other contacts! Please contact Oscar Mairena if you have any questions.
Oscar Mairena
Senior Associate, Viral Hepatitis/Policy and Legislative Affairs
National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD)
444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 339
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 434.8058 Fax: (202) 434.8092
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