Date: 2001-10-11
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. .Chairman. I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman. I rise today to call attention to the need for an additional $5 million for fiscal year 2002 to the Department of Labors International Bureau of Labor Affairs. also known as ILAB. for programs that promote workplacebased HIVAIDS education and prevention programs and the wellbeing of children orphaned by HIVAIDS in developing countries. More than 36 million people are living with HIVAIDS worldwide. and more than 10 million children in subSaharan Africa alone have lost their parents to this disease. The number of AIDS orphans could climb to more than 40 million by 2010. Mr. Chairman. 40 million orphans in Africa is equal to the number of children east of the Mississippi River in this country. This amount of money equates to less than 13 cents per year per orphan to improve their lives and help make them productive members of their society. The global HIVAIDS pandemic is an extremely serious issue that demands our continued attention. and one way to address the crisis is to promote workplacebased education and prevention programs. The ILAB has undertaken an innovative program to address HIVAIDS through the workplace as part of its efforts to promote safer. healthier. and more productive work environments. ILAB has already launched a workplace pilot project in the Republic of Malawi in southern Africa. Increased funding will enable ILAB to expand workplace HIVAIDS education and prevention programs into other developing countries. It will also enable a joint initiative with the Department of Labors International Child Labor Program to develop programs aimed at children affected by HIVAIDS. Mr. Chairman. this is a relatively simple transfer of dollars. The funding for this program comes from the account that contains Job Corps. which receives $75 million more than requested. more than double for fiscal year 2002. This is more than Job Corps can reasonably manage within 1 year. and so we are asking that $15 million be considered. It is only a general funds transfer if it is considered in conference. but it is very important that the intended destination is discussed during floor statements today. The Congressional Budget Office indicated that a $15 million decrease and $5 million increase was the only way this would work with management and Department outlays. We certainly know that there is a serious and strategic need. This international HTVAIDS workplace education program has developed a strategic plan for workplacebased HIVAIDS education focusing on the following three components: -prevention education stressing behavioral responsibility. gender issues. and concepts relating to care and support. workplace policy development addressing issues of stigma and discrimination. and capacity building activities for government. employers. and labor to strengthen the response to this crisis. In the year 2000. IHWEP launched a workplace education pilot project in the Republic of Malawi. implemented by the nongovernmental organization Project HOPE. which is based in Millwood. Virginia. A task force cochaired by Senators FRIST and KERRY have deemed the issue of AIDS orphans a high priority. These young people are heads of households now that they have no parents. and it provides them with care. vocational training. as well as microfinance opportunities. It aims to enable childheaded households to develop an incomegenerating skill and reduce the likelihood that they will resort to working in areas where their health and safety may be compromised. Mr. Chairman. I would sincerely ask that the conference committee consider this request. It is of grave need.