Hoyer Statement on World AIDS Day

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of World AIDS Day:

“This year, as we mark World AIDS Day, let us remember the lives of those lost to HIV/AIDS and recommit ourselves to the critical work of finding new treatments and a cure.  As we fight this disease, we must also continue to help those at home and abroad who are living with it access life-saving treatment, which is why I’ve been proud to support programs like PEPFAR and funding for research and outreach efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.  As Congress works on a funding bill for the remainder of the fiscal year, we must not waver in our support for these efforts. 
 

“I was shocked that President Trump, in his statement marking World AIDS Day this morning, failed even to mention the LGBT community.  While HIV/AIDS affects Americans of every ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation, the LGBT community has been disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS since the disease was first identified.  In the 1980’s and 1990’s, it was thanks to the courage of many LGBT Americans who came out of the closet and spoke out about the dangerous disease ravaging communities across our country that attention was drawn to the need for greater research and the development of treatments.  This striking omission follows a pattern by this President of ignoring the facts of history and of undermining LGBT equality in our country. 
 
“As we come together on this day, let us pay tribute to those who have faced HIV/AIDS with courage and determination, and let us reaffirm our common cause to seek a cure and end the scourge of this disease once and for all.”