Blue Dog Coalition Endorses Bipartisan Reauthorization of President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

July 20, 2023

Washington – Today, the Blue Dog Coalition announced its formal endorsement of a bipartisan letter urging reauthorization of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The letter also puts a spotlight on PEPFAR's maternal care programs.

"PEPFAR is a lifesaving program and we strongly support the reauthorization of this vital resource in the fight against AIDS," said Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Communications. "Focusing resources on maternal health presents a major opportunity to reduce HIV transmission and save lives."

"Beyond the urgent humanitarian impact of this work, soft power engagement in the world is a vital element of a foreign policy strategy to maintain American interests in places where our competitors have been especially active of late," said Rep. Jared Golden, Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Administration.

The bipartisan effort is led in the House by Representatives Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Val Hoyle (OR-04). A Senate companion letter was led by Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA) and Sen. Angus King (ME).

The following Blue Dog members have signed onto the letter:

Rep. Jared Golden (ME-02)

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)

Rep. Mary Peltola (AK-AL)

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)

Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13)

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34)

Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21)

The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives composed of fiscally-responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find common sense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people.

To learn more go to: https://bluedogcaucus-golden.house.gov/

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