PI Perspective #32
March 2001 View PDF En
español
New Presidential Administration
Presents New Challenges
The inauguration of George W. Bush as President has created anxiety
and uncertainty among HIV/AIDS advocates. For the first time in
eight years, we have a new President and Administration. This change
brings many unknowns and some definite challenges.
President Bush said little during his campaign about HIV/AIDS,
and does not have much of a record on the issue as governor of Texas.
However, as governor, his actions on healthcare do raise concerns.
In addition, one of the first actions from the Bush administration
was a renewal of the ban on funding for international organizations
engaging in family planning. This is a serious and troubling indicator
of the Bush Administration’s approach to health policy.
President Bush did make a few statements on HIV/AIDS issues as
a candidate. He has ”promised to do his part“ to fight
AIDS. He has proposed doubling the National Institutes of Health’s
budget, which should increase AIDS research activities proportionately,
and he is on record as supporting the Ryan White CARE Act.
In a letter to Numedx, a quarterly HIV medical journal, Bush stated
his support for a “permanent extension of the research and
development tax credit for pharmaceutical companies that are currently
conducting research and development on drugs to combat AIDS.”
In that same letter, Bush stated that he supports increased funding
to sub-Saharan Africa to fight HIV, with unspecified safeguards
to ensure that U.S. money is actually being spent on those in need.
He also pledged his support for medical privacy legislation.
However, while Bush has indicated his support for HIV prevention
programs, he is on record opposing needle exchange programs. He
has also pledged that he will make funding for abstinence education
a priority.
President Bush’s choices for his Cabinet send more mixed
messages about his commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS. He appointed
Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson as Secretary of Health and Human
Services. According to many advocates in Wisconsin, Governor Thompson
has demonstrated a strong commitment on HIV/AIDS issues. He has
ensured adequate funding for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and
supported Wisconsin’s Medicaid program. In addition, he has
sought a federal waiver to expand Medicaid eligibility to include
people living with HIV. This leadership may help with efforts to
pass a Medicaid expansion bill for people living with HIV at the
federal level.
However, Bush’s nomination of former Missouri Senator John
Ashcroft as Attorney General is very troubling. Project Inform opposed
this nomination based on Senator Ashcroft’s abysmal voting
record on HIV/AIDS issues.
In addition to the change in administrations, there has also been
a fairly dramatic change in the makeup of Congress, especially in
the U.S. Senate where there are fifty Republicans and fifty Democrats.
Vice President Cheney will break any ties that occur in the Senate.
It is unknown what specific challenges lie ahead as a result of
this change but individual Senators and Representatives may find
themselves with more power to push forward legislative and budget
issues. We must work to make sure the government’s response
to the epidemic remains a priority for both the new Administration
and Congress.
Many people have noted the increased importance of individuals
and grassroots organizing in today’s political environment.
You can play a key role by joining PI Action. PI Action members
respond to Action Alerts and communicate with elected and administrative
officials about legislative and funding issues that affect them
and people they care about. Legislators need to know how their actions
and votes affect the people they represent. We will provide all
the information and guidance needed to help you prepare your message
to your legislators. If you would like to join PI Action and make
your voice heard in this new environment, fill out the PI Action
form at www.projectinform.org.
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