WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today voted to provide life-saving care, treatment, and support services to nearly half a million Americans living with HIV and AIDS.  The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act would make critical investments in HIV/AIDS research and care to ensure that Americans living with these diseases are able to maintain their quality of life while scientists strive to find a cure.

"The Ryan White Program has been serving Americans living with HIV and AIDS for nearly 20 years," said Rep. Sanchez. "This bipartisan bill will help ensure that HIV and AIDS patients have quality, affordable care for years to come."

First established in 1990, the Ryan White Program has made it easier for HIV/AIDS patients to afford the costly medical treatments they need to survive.  Today's extension will increase the authorization level for each part of the program by 5% each year for the next 4 years to ensure that we continue to provide health care access for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Americans.  It will also help improve care in regions of the country with the highest rates of HIV/AIDS, and takes steps to eliminate care disparities for minorities with these diseases. 

Each year, over 50,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS are reported in communities across the country. 1.1 million Americans are currently living with HIV or AIDS. 

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