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Lawmakers Commemorate a Decade of AIDS Activism

Valenti (CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Valenti (CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Current lawmakers and congressional alumni are joining with the Motion Picture Association of America to tout the philanthropic efforts of the Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  

The global relief organization was co-founded in 2004 by the MPAA’s iconic chief, the late Jack Valenti. Politicians scheduled to partake in the organization’s 10th anniversary gala, an invite-only affair on Tuesday at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, include the current MPAA leader, former Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn.; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas; Barbara Lee, D-Calif.; Nita M. Lowey, D-N.Y.; Jim McDermott, D-Wash.; David Cicilline, D-R.I.; and Jim Himes, D-Conn.; Del. Donna M.C. Christensen, D-V.I.; Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; ex-Reps. Howard Berman, D-Calif.; Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz.; and Dave Weldon, R-Fla., and ex-Sen. Richard G. Lugar, R-Ind. Globe-trotting Secretary of State John Kerry, the former senator from Massachusetts, was to address the crowd via pre-taped remarks.)  

In addition to hearing from elected officials, Ashley Judd, the Hollywood actress who last year flirted with the idea of giving Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a run for his money, is expected to regale attendees with what all that she’s gleaned during her tenure as a goodwill ambassador for Population Services International.  

(CQ Roll Call File Photo)
(CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Per an event organizer, the group is pleased by all the progress made to date but remains focused on the critical work that still lies ahead.  

“Sustained financial resources from Congress in 2015 will allow the United States to continue the leadership that will be necessary to defeat HIV/AIDS once and for all,” the aide told HOH. “We have a long way to go to ensure that prevention and treatment reaches everyone.”  

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