WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the deadline for Pepfer’s reaffirmation:
“The Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the world’s largest bilateral HIV/AIDS assistance program. It has remained one of the most successful bipartisan programs to date since its establishment by President George W. Bush.
“Despite the overwhelming success of the program, Pepfer’s efforts to protect millions have been undermined by the Trump administration’s termination of foreign aid and the dismantling of USAID. The current administration has made many empty promises and ensured that humanitarian aid that saves life will continue to continue Pepfer. It is set to expire today. 50% of the funds are headed for treatment, and 10% demand that orphans and vulnerable children be helped.
“It’s time to act now. Congress must work together to re-authorize this bipartisan program for five years and send a clear signal to the Trump administration that America will not step back from our commitment to saving lives.”
