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Senator Santorum Comments on Efforts to Respond to Humanitarian Emergencies in Africa
June 8, 2005 - Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement regarding humanitarian emergencies in Africa:
“I am pleased that President Bush has agreed to provide $674 million in emergency funds previously authorized for humanitarian aid to respond to the crisis in developing African nations.
“The countless number of men, women, and children who are suffering each day in Africa is staggering and unfortunately, the situation only worsens. African nations are in dire need of food, clean water and medical assistance. Millions are suffering from HIV/AIDS as the disease continues to plague Africa. The need for relief is immediate.
“I appreciate the dedication of President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair to this vital cause. Over the past four years, the United States has tripled the assistance provided to Sub-Sahara Africa.
"Although there was no agreement reached, I am glad that the issue of additional debt relief for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries was discussed, and I remain optimistic that a positive outcome on debt relief can be attained in the near future.
“Providing sufficient funds to supply food and clean water, in addition to helping fight global HIV/AIDS is the right thing to do and part of our responsibility as a nation. I will continue my work to gain attention and support for humanitarian efforts in Africa.”
Earlier this year, Senator Santorum held a bipartisan press conference to draw attention to his commitment to fully fund President Bush’s fiscal year 2006 Budget Request for bilateral HIV/AIDS programs and to provide an additional $500 million in multilateral funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
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