Washington Memo Blog
Visit the Washington Memo Blog to stay informed about Washington Office activities, events, action alerts and news regarding the issues we cover. Here is an excerpt from a recent blog post:
A Step Backwards for the Fight against HIV/AIDS
November 9, 2009
“It’s no secret that the global economy’s near collapse in 2008 had a widespread effect.
In addition to lay-offs and mortgage foreclosures, Wall Street’s tumble has had significant implications on funding for HIV/AIDS programs.
“Until the economic crisis, funding for HIV/AIDS has steadily increased in recent years. This global allocation of resources has succeeded in declining AIDS deaths worldwide.
“Dr. Tido von Schoen-Angerer of Doctors Without Borders aptly notes:
After almost a decade of progress in rolling out AIDS treatment we have seen substantial improvements, both for patients and public health. But recent funding cuts mean doctors and nurses are being forced to turn HIV patients away from clinics as if we were back in the 1990s before treatment was available.
“PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) and the Global Fund are two programs that have effectively produced results in treating and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. . .”
Health Care Bill Passes in House
November 9, 2009
“The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, late Saturday night 220–215. One Republican, Joseph Cao of Louisiana, joined 219 Democrats in voting for final passage of the bill. From The Washington Post:
Action now shifts to the Senate, which could spend the rest of the year debating its version of the health-care overhaul. Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) hopes to bring a measure to the floor before Thanksgiving, but legislation may not reach Obama’s desk before the New Year.
Website Resource Highlights
The MCC Washington Office website provides information about the office, action alerts, upcoming events, and resources on domestic and international issues. Recent highlights include:
A New Design
MCC recently launched a newly designed website. Along with the new design, the Washington Offices pages have been updated and reorganized. Several new sections have been added, including faith reflections.
We hope you enjoy our new look and invite your feedback on how we can keep improving the site. Check out our new design at washington.mcc.org.
“Abundant Life: Economic Justice for All”
These Washington Office web pages include additional resources on the U.S. housing crisis. The Abundant Life campaign focuses on health care, international debt relief, U.S. housing issues, and fair trade. To find background information, prayer and worship resources, action alerts, and outside resources, or to sign up your congregation, visit washington.mcc.org/life.
“Security Strategy for Afghanistan”
Theo Sitther of the MCC Washington Office recently helped create a new resource for congregations on Afghanistan. View it on our website.
