Pelosi praised by AIDS activists

AIDS activists are optimistic that Thursday's election of U.S. representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as House minority leader may lead to a renewed focus on AIDS issues in Congress and possibly even increases in federal funding for HIV/AIDS-related research, treatment, and care. Pelosi, who represents San Francisco in Congress, has been a House leader on HIV/AIDS issues, including pushing for increased funding for minority HIV/AIDS initiatives. She also is a sponsor of legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage to include HIV-positive people who have not yet progressed to an AIDS diagnosis. Officials from AIDS Project Los Angeles anticipate that Pelosi will continue to be a leader on AIDS issues in her new role as minority leader. Daniel Montoya, director of government affairs for APLA, called Pelosi's election as minority leader a "triumph for all those affected by HIV/AIDS."