In a resolute speech delivered at the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, a prominent Democrat from California representing the 43rd Congressional District, sharply criticized House Republicans for their proposed reductions in funding for HIV/AIDS prevention programs. The critique was directed towards the House Appropriations Committee’s Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health, Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which aims to slash a significant $767 million from domestic HIV/AIDS initiatives.
Waters drew attention to the bill’s severe consequences, highlighting a 53 percent cut in resources allocated for combating HIV/AIDS among underrepresented groups. Furthermore, she expressed grave concern over the complete elimination of funding for “Minority AIDS Initiative activities within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.” Waters also raised an alarm over the removal of funding for critical programs such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and community health centers.
“The cuts to the Minority AIDS Initiative will exacerbate racial disparities, and the elimination of the (Ending the) HIV Epidemic Initiative is deeply concerning,” Waters emphasized.
Notably, Waters did not shy away from calling out House Republicans by name, specifically targeting U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) for their role in these proposed cuts. She asserted, “We cannot allow these cuts to pass. We cannot compromise. We will not give up.”
The conference, organized by the National Minority AIDS Council and themed “A Love Letter to Black Women,” has drawn over 3,000 attendees. Waters passionately called for recognition and support for Black women who have suffered, endured, and been denied for far too long. She praised the advocacy efforts of former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank and the late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) in championing LGBTQ+ rights and combatting HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Waters acknowledged Jewel Thais-Williams, who provided solace and support to people with HIV/AIDS by establishing Catch One, a bar and restaurant in Los Angeles during a time when such spaces were scarce.
As the conference continues, notable figures like B. Kaye Hayes, deputy assistant secretary for infectious disease in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, and Mark S. King, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist and blogger, are slated to address critical issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention and support.
In an era where the fight against HIV/AIDS remains pivotal, Maxine Waters’ impassioned speech serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle to secure resources and support for these vital programs in the United States. The implications of funding cuts, particularly for underrepresented communities, underscore the urgency of the cause.