Billions in HIV Funding and the Ban is Lifted

Woo woo for the U.S. Senate! Yesterday, they rocked in the fight against HIV.

First, they approved a $50 billion in international funding over the next five years, which will help in areas such as Africa and Asia - via PEPFAR - the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Meanwhile, the Senators also voted to lift the travel ban on HIV-positive travelers.

…A measure added to the Senate bill by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore., [reverses] a policy that has made it difficult for HIV-positive foreigners to visit or seek residency in the United States.

“For 20 years the United States has barred HIV-positive travelers from entering the country even for one day,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. “Today the Senate said loud and clear that AIDS exceptionalism must come to an end.”

The bill will goes back to the House, which approved the aid back in April, but did not have language about the immigration ban. It is hoped they will just take up the Senate version of the bill.

[love to queerty for the great summary]