House passes reauthorization of CARE Act

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The U.S. House on Wednesday passed legislation by Rep. Tom Coburn that includes a significant change in the way the federal government approaches its fight against AIDS. Members

Thursday, July 27th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The U.S. House on Wednesday passed legislation by Rep. Tom Coburn that includes a significant change in the way the federal government approaches its fight against AIDS. Members by a voice vote late Tuesday approved the measure, which reauthorizes the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, which funds the country's key programs for those affected by the disease.

Coburn, R-Okla., said his legislation marked the "most dramatic shift" in the battle against AIDS in more than a decade. The story was reported from the Tulsa World's Washington bureau. A key change is a funding formula that would recognize those infected by HIV, not just those with AIDS, and provide for more equity for rural areas, women and minorities. "The original Ryan White CARE Act has made a significant impac tin the lives of thousands of Americans living with HIV,"' he said. "However, continued emphasis on AIDS rather than the full scope of the epidemic has resulted in funding disparities and inadequate care for women and minorities," Coburn said. "This bill takes the long overdue step of recognizing the needs of all those infected."