Pres. Bush on His Record
Nadira A. Hira
My Administration has vigorously enforced civil rights laws. I am the first President to ban racial profiling in Federal law enforcement. And to serve the cause of justice on the Federal bench, I have nominated outstanding men and women to the courts, highly qualified people of all races and backgrounds.
Leaders of the African American community have worked very closely with my Administration on the Faith-Based and Community initiative so that faith-based groups, which help people most in need, can compete on a level playing field with other organizations. The government can hand out money, but it cannot put hope in a person’s heart, that is why across the Nation, the faith-based community is putting Federal dollars to good use in substance abuse treatment programs, mentoring programs for children of prisoners, and programs that provide pregnant women access to vital services, like parenting skills and information on health and nutrition. In many of our urban communities, the only social service programs available operate out of the basement of a church, and they should receive funding if their programs have proven to be effective.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is one that touches all communities, both in America and throughout the world. My 2005 budget commits over $17 billion to AIDS treatment and prevention in America, a 27 percent increase over 2001. And I have requested a $35 million increase in the Minority AIDS Initiative. Through the Ryan White program, we are providing $20 million to deliver lifesaving drugs to infected people, over 50 percent of whom are from minority communities.
My Administration has also begun the largest initiative ever to combat global HIV/AIDS. America is a compassionate Nation that is taking the lead on dealing with the pandemic that ravages the continent of Africa. My Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief provides $15 billion over five years for prevention, treatment, and care in the 15 countries most heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
And we are bringing greater prosperity to the African continent. I signed the African Growth and Opportunity Acceleration Act of 2004. It recognizes that the best way to help lift people out of poverty is through trade and the free flow of commerce. And it is working on the continent of Africa and creating new opportunities for American exports.