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Congresswoman Calls for $6 Billion for Global Fund

   Joe DeCapua 20 July 2010

   A  California  congresswoman is calling on the Obama administration to
   make a three-year, six billion dollar commitment to the Global Fund to
   Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

   Barbara  Lee  has just returned from attending the opening days of the
   18^TH   International  AIDS  Conference  in  Vienna.   She  says  she
   understands her proposal comes at a time of economic hardship.

   âI  recognize,  especially being from the United States, the impact of
   the  global  economic  slowdown.   And  of  course  we  have  a  huge
   unemployment  rate  here in America, especially in areas where we have
   millions  of  people,  who  been chronically unemployed in the African
   American and Latino communities.â

   But she adds, âItâs a matter of priority.â

   Taking aim at the Pentagon

   Lee, whoâs the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, says money for
   her  Global  Fund  proposal  could  come  if the defense budget if the
   defense budget is examined carefully.

   âWhen  you  look  at, for example, the wasteful Pentagon budget, there
   are  many  weapons  systems,â  she  says,  âthat just donât need to be
   there.  Theyâre based on Cold War era weapons systems that need to be
   really written out of the budget.â

   Lee  says  eliminating  waste,  fraud and abuse in the Pentagon budget
   would  also  free  up funds.  Another target, she says, is tax breaks
   for the wealthy.

   The  Democratic  lawmaker  says,  âItâs  about the quality of life and
   saving  lives.â   Lee  says  about 65 members of Congress support her
   Global Fund proposal.  Sheâs hoping for the support of at least 100.

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