Rep. Serrano To Push For Removal Of Language That Prevents Washington, D.C., From Financing Needle-Exchange Programs
Rep. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.) said recently he will make it a priority to push for the removal of language from a Washington, D.C., appropriations bill that prevents the city from financing needle-exchange programs, the New York Times reports (Urbina, New York Times, 5/29). A federal law signed by former President Clinton in 1998 bans the district government from using local tax money to fund any organization that operates a needle-exchange program (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 9/27/04). District Mayor Adrian Fenty has said that he will provide funds for needle-exchange programs as soon as Congress removes the language, the Times reports.
