San Francisco—Project Inform, a national HIV/AIDS treatment information and advocacy organization opposes the nomination of former Missouri Senator John Ashcroft as Attorney General of the United States. We believe that the Attorney General, as the chief enforcer of the law and guardian of individual civil rights must have a clear and demonstrated understanding and commitment to the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. Upon review of Senator Ashcroft's voting record and public statements, we believe that he is an unacceptable choice for this position.
Our opposition is based on Senator Ashcroft's specific votes and actions on HIV/AIDS issues, including:
- Senator Ashcroft refused to co-sponsor a bill to reverse a law that mandated discharge of HIV positive service members. In effect, he signaled his support for this law, which deprived more than 1,000 service members of health coverage. (1995)
- Senator Ashcroft refused to co-sponsor reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, a federal program supporting care and treatment services to people living with HIV/AIDS nationwide. (1996 and 2000)
- Senator Ashcroft supported an amendment by Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) that would cut off funding to gay community health centers nationwide that provide care to men, women, and children with HIV/AIDS. This provision was defeated in conference committee. (1995)
- Senator Ashcroft opposed a bi-partisan amendment by Senators John Chafee (R-RI) and Kent Conrad (D-ND), to the Budget Reconciliation Act, S. 1357, that would guarantee coverage under the Medicaid program for low-income seniors and disabled individuals, including people living with HIV/AIDS, who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. (1995)
Senator Ashcroft has shown, by word, deed, and association a pattern of insensitivity to the needs and concerns of people with AIDS and other disabilities and thus, we feel he cannot be trusted to fully protect their rights as Attorney General.
While Project Inform opposes the selection of Senator Ashcroft based on his position on HIV/AIDS issues, we also stand in support with the growing coalition of civil rights, environmental, health, and pro-choice organizations that argue that Senator Ashcroft's views on these important issues are outside the mainstream of society and render him unfit to lead the Justice Department.
Project Inform applauds California Senator Barbara Boxer for her pledge to oppose Senator Ashcroft's nomination. We urge Senator Feinstein to announce her opposition to this nomination as well.
For more information, contact:
Ryan Clary Community Organizing Program Manager 415-558-8669 x224 415-558-0684 fax |
Project Inform 205-13th Street #2001 San Francisco, CA 94103 |