Washington D.C.—Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke on the House Floor in support of the Global Fund Replenishment Resolution, a measure he and Chairman Engel introduced in the House to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to continued investment in the Global Fund, which is a critical component of the globally coordinated strategy to end the AIDS epidemic. House passage of this resolution comes just two days after World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about this disease. McCaul was recognized by the ONE Campaign on World AIDS Day as a leader in the fight against the disease for his work on this resolution among others. 

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-Remarks as Delivered-

“I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Sires, and Mr. Engel for their hard work on this important resolution that I support, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Over the last 17 years, 32 million lives have been saved as a result of the Global Fund partnering with U.S. programs to change the course of health outcomes. And yet, there is much more to work to do. The Global Fund set a fundraising goal of 14 billion dollars over the next 3 years in order to save an additional 16 million lives.

“Since 2003, the U.S. has been a long and consistent partner of the Global Fund, and the largest bilateral donor. The U.S. has historically provided 1 dollar for every 2 dollars raised by other donors. Our contributions have been an effective tool to leverage other donors and secure greater commitments. However, uncertainty over final spending bills has complicated the U.S. contribution.

“And that is why my friend Chairman Engel and I introduced this resolution, to reaffirm our commitment to the Global Fund and assure other donors of this U.S. commitment. In October, pledge amounts for the next three years were submitted and I am pleased that this resolution played a role in affirming the U.S. commitment to the Global Health Fund and helped spur more donors to step up to the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

“I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution as we consider a final appropriation bill soon that provides the necessary $1.56 billion over the next three years to the Global Fund. Rarely- Mr. Speaker- in this chamber do we pass laws and resolutions that have such a direct impact on the lives of others and that is a true calling, a true mission, that I think we share on both sides of the aisle to make this world a better place. And this resolution will certainly do that.”

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