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Senate OKs $48 Billion In Foreign Health Aid

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The Associated Press

Published: July 17, 2008

WASHINGTON - The Senate voted Wednesday to triple spending for a much-acclaimed program that has treated and protected millions in Africa and elsewhere from the scourges of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.

The 80-16 vote committed the United States to spending up to $48 billion over the next five years for the most ambitious foreign public health program ever launched by the United States.

The bill would replace and expand the current $15 billion act that President Bush championed in a State of the Union address and Congress passed in 2003. That act expires in September.

In a statement, Bush said: "Traveling in Africa earlier this year, Laura and I had our most recent opportunity to witness the effectiveness of this program.

"We were honored to see the doctors, nurses and caregivers of all faiths working to save the lives of their fellow citizens. And we met the patients, including many children, who understand and appreciate America's generosity."

A bill passed by the House in April approved $50 billion, including $5 billion for malaria, $4 billion for tuberculosis and $41 billion for AIDS. A proportion of the AIDS money, $2 billion next year, would go to the international Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Actual spending levels still have to be approved in annual appropriations bills.

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