Speak up for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs on World AIDS Day

I write to you on this World AIDS Day to urge you to strongly advocate for the Congressional mandates set out in budget allocations to federal agencies and programs — especially USAID and other programs that support global health initiatives, and particularly those that work toward HIV intervention and prevention. The current Administration has been both wrong and inhumane in its decision unilaterally to cut such funding and to dismantle such programs. Since the beginning of 2025, funding for global HIV/AIDS programs has been reduced by as much as 60%. This is both immoral and unconscionable. Projections prior to these funding cuts were that there might be 1.4 million new HIV infections by 2030. If appropriate funding isn’t restored to its previous levels, that number may increase to 3.9 million. Every person who contracts HIV or is diagnosed with AIDS is a beloved child of God, made in God’s image. Each of them deserves dignity and the ability to receive treatment and appropriate medical care. I urge you — this World AIDS Day and every day that it remains necessary — to speak powerfully against the wrongness of the Administration’s unilaterally cutting funding that was allocated by Congress. Call on the President and his Administration to restore all funding to the levels approved by Congress. Work with your fellow Members of Congress and Senators to push the Administration to work within the constitutionally mandated separation of powers. I thank you for your time and your prompt attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response, indicating how you plan to move forward.