Media Center :: Press Releases

Washington, DC --- Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation, voted today Wednesday to reauthorize the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.  Passage of this legislation assures the continuity of this innovative and effective program that funds HIV/AIDS treatment for low income, uninsured, and underinsured people. The legislation was approved by a bi-partisan majority.

The program provides critical federal funding to cities and states as well as directly to certain clinics and care providers for medical and support services. Just this year, the State of Florida has received over $209 million dollars in federal funding through Ryan White to assist countless low income Americans living with HIV/AIDS.

Said Ros-Lehtinen, “My home County Miami-Dade ranks second among large metropolitan areas for people living with AIDS. I have seen firsthand the impact this disease has on individual lives and families in our community so extending this important program is not just a priority but a necessity as well. I thank all my colleagues who voted to provide a lifeline for the millions on low income persons living with HIV/AIDS.”