This AIDS legislation, along with Congressional action on debt relief, represents the most compassionate set of initiatives in the history of the United States Congress for the developing world, and I commend the leadership for recognizing and acting swiftly to address this compelling moral challenge. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3519, as amended. At the outset, I want to express my deep appreciation to the Speaker and Majority Leader for their leadership and cooperation in expediting action on this extraordinary bipartisan Congressional response to the global AIDS pandemic. In this regard, the stark reality is that the world today is confronted with the greatest health crisis in human history.
Perspective is always hard to apply to issues of the day.
For example, if one was to look at the 14 th century, one would be hard pressed not to conclude that the most important event of that time was the bubonic plague during which 20 million died. Analogously, it is increasingly self-evident that eradication of this deadly disease is the most important issue of our time. In that context, H.R. 3519 represents an extraordinary bipartisan, bicameral effort to move with urgency to address the horrific AIDS epidemic. This AIDS legislation, along with Congressional action on debt relief, represents the most compassionate set of initiatives in the history of the United States Congress for the developing world, and I commend the leadership for recognizing and acting swiftly to address this compelling moral challenge. The trust fund would be housed at the World Bank but governed by the U.S. and other donors.