(Washington, D.C.)- Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement today after President Obama signed The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act:

“This legislation makes vital investments in care and treatment services to ensure that Americans living with HIV and AIDS can maintain the highest quality of life while supporting prevention and outreach programs to help to protect those who are at risk of getting infected.

“Because of the leadership of members of the Congressional Black Caucus, this bill will bolster the Minority AIDS Initiative by reestablishing a formula based grant system, requiring a GAO study to capture the successes of the MAI across all applicable federal agencies, and a subsequent department wide plan by HHS to ensure that the program will function as it was intended. Additionally, the CBC took a lead in ensuring the bill will address the HIV/AIDS needs and services for ex-offenders and their families.

“Tragically, racial and ethnic minorities – especially women – and young gay men are facing the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in America. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act is a positive step toward doing a better job of protecting those who are most at risk, while taking care of those who are already infected.

“I also applaud the Administration for lifting the travel HIV/AIDS travel band, a policy that was unjust and discriminatory. For many years, I have fought to end this practice, and doing so lends credibility to our nation’s efforts to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. ”

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