Recognizing the importance of a continued commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Bill Number: H.Res. 955
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-02-05T18:18:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 955) expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives on the critical need for ongoing global efforts to prevent and treat pediatric HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome). It highlights statistics on HIV's impact on women, girls, and children, praises U.S. leadership through programs like PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), and calls for sustained commitment to eliminate new pediatric infections by 2030.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing factual background on HIV/AIDS epidemiology, treatment progress, and U.S. contributions. It then resolves that the House:

Recognizes prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission as essential to global HIV control.
Affirms the U.S. priority on eliminating pediatric HIV for over two decades and urges continuation.
Supports evidence-based HIV prevention for adolescents and young women.
Backs expanded access to HIV counseling, testing, long-acting prevention drugs (like lenacapavir), and mother-to-child transmission prevention services for women and children.
Advocates scaling up child and adolescent HIV treatment, including better antiretroviral drugs (medicines that suppress HIV), age-appropriate care, and caregiver support.
Endorses the four pillars of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030: closing treatment gaps for pregnant/breastfeeding women; preventing new infections in these groups; improving testing and care for exposed or infected infants/children/adolescents; and tackling rights, gender equality, and barriers to services.
Applauds U.S. efforts in pediatric HIV elimination and treatment via programs and research.
Encourages PEPFAR to develop a standalone pediatric HIV strategy aligned with global priorities.
Reaffirms U.S. leadership to end AIDS worldwide, eliminate pediatric infections, and support affected women, children, adolescents, and families.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

As a non-binding resolution, this measure does not amend or enact new laws. It serves as a congressional statement of support, reinforcing existing U.S. policies and programs like PEPFAR without introducing legal mandates or alterations.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Strengthens advocacy for continued funding and prioritization of HIV programs within agencies like the Department of State and the National Institutes of Health, potentially influencing budget allocations for foreign aid.
Citizens: Indirectly benefits U.S. citizens involved in global health (e.g., researchers, aid workers) by promoting sustained international engagement; no direct domestic impact on U.S. residents.
International Relations: Bolsters U.S. partnerships with organizations like the Global Fund and countries in high-burden regions (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa), enhancing diplomatic ties through health diplomacy and support for global health goals like the 95-95-95 targets (aiming for widespread HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression by 2030).

Main Stakeholders Affected

Women and Children in High-Burden Areas: Primarily adolescent girls, pregnant/breastfeeding women, and children in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, who face higher HIV risks and treatment gaps.
U.S. Government Entities: Congress, PEPFAR, Department of State, and health research bodies, tasked with leading and funding global responses.
International Partners: Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, Global Fund, and affected countries (e.g., 12 focus nations for Alliance initiatives).
Healthcare Providers and NGOs: Organizations delivering testing, treatment, and prevention services worldwide.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable legal changes; resolutions like this fall under Congress's power to express policy preferences (Article I, U.S. Constitution) without binding executive action.
Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for U.S. global health leadership, potentially pressuring future administrations to maintain PEPFAR funding amid budget debates. It aligns with broader U.S. foreign policy on health security but could face challenges if foreign aid priorities shift.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

Cosponsors (30)

Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]

Recent Actions

2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-12-17: Submitted in House
2025-12-17: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Recognizing the importance of a continued commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (7 pages)