Increased STD Prevention Funding Via Stimulus Bill

UNITED STATES: "Economic Stimulus Bills Allot Millions for STD Prevention"
Washington Times (01.29.09):: Stephen Dinan

On Wednesday by a 244-188 vote, the House approved an $819 billion economic stimulus bill that included $335 million for STD prevention. The Senate version directs $400 million to CDC "for the screening and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV."

While the House measure passed, it was not without criticism. Some Republicans said earmarking money for fighting STDs makes no sense in a bill designed to get the US economy back on track. Following a personal appeal by President Obama, Democrats removed a separate $200 million set-aside that would have boosted contraceptive coverage under Medicaid.

The Senate is expected to debate its stimulus bill next week. That measure too will be challenged by Republicans. "Senate big spenders will never be underbid in wasting tax dollars. But how in the world does STD research create jobs?" asked Wesley Denton, an aide to Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).

But Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairperson of the Senate Appropriations health subcommittee, defended the allocation as one of the bill's noteworthy achievements, along with $870 million for pandemic influenza preparedness and $75 million for smoking cessation.

"This initiative includes grants to communities for health promotion, immunization programs, health screenings and counseling, smoking-cessation programs, scholarships and loan repayment for health professionals, research, and evidence-based disease-prevention strategies," said Harkin.