U.S. Program to Combat HIV/AIDS Survives Latest Round of Cuts
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a popular global HIV/AIDS program credited with saving millions of lives, has been spared from a package of billions of dollars in spending cuts that Congress sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law.
Background on PEPFAR
PEPFAR was started in 2003 by George W. Bush and has since become a cornerstone of U.S. global health efforts. The original rescissions package Trump requested called for $400 million in cuts to PEPFAR. However, in the Senate, Democrats and a handful of Republicans objected to the PEPFAR cuts, citing the program’s success in saving an estimated 26 million lives and allowing nearly 8 million babies to be born healthy to mothers living with HIV.
Opposition to Cuts
Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, was among those who opposed the cuts, stating, "There are some cuts that I can support, but I’m not going to vote to cut global health programs." Collins’ stance was shared by other lawmakers, including conservative Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala., who said, "It’s very successful. I think it serves a useful purpose."
Changes to the Package
Seeking to tamp down the GOP rebellion, the White House agreed to make changes to the package, dropping the PEPFAR cuts to secure GOP votes. White House budget director Russell Vought told reporters, "PEPFAR will not be impacted by the rescissions." Removing those cuts, Vought said, means the package has "a good chance of passing."
Passage of the Package
The rescissions package, which would claw back $9 billion in congressionally approved funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, narrowly passed the Senate on a 51-48 vote. The House passed the package of cuts, and Trump has vowed to sign it into law.
Reactions to the Package
While some lawmakers and advocates were relieved by the removal of PEPFAR cuts, others expressed disappointment with the overall package. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., slammed the legislation, saying, "Cuts to foreign aid will make Americans less safe. It will empower our adversaries." Bruce Lesley, the president of First Focus Campaign for Children, said, "It is always good news when lawmakers prioritize children, especially children who are orphaned or vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. But the larger trend here is not hopeful."
Conclusion
The survival of PEPFAR funding is a significant victory for global health efforts, but the overall package of cuts has raised concerns about the impact on foreign aid and national security. As the legislation moves forward, lawmakers and advocates will continue to monitor its effects and push for priorities that support vulnerable populations.
FAQs
- What is PEPFAR, and what does it do?
PEPFAR is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a global HIV/AIDS program that provides life-saving treatment and support to millions of people around the world. - How much funding was originally proposed to be cut from PEPFAR?
The original rescissions package proposed cutting $400 million from PEPFAR. - Why did some lawmakers oppose the cuts to PEPFAR?
Lawmakers opposed the cuts because PEPFAR has been successful in saving millions of lives and is a critical component of U.S. global health efforts. - What is the overall impact of the rescissions package?
The package would claw back $9 billion in congressionally approved funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, which has raised concerns about the impact on national security and vulnerable populations.
