Trump to sign bill extending HIV/AIDS program, Pence says

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will soon sign legislation to extend a 15-year-old HIV/AIDS program that has helped millions, primarily in Africa. HIV/ AIDS advocates welcomed the news and immediately called on Trump to drop efforts to cut federal funding for the life-saving program.

Vice President Mike Pence made the announcement Thursday at a White House event marking World AIDS Day on Saturday.

The Senate l ate Wednesday passed legislation extending for five years the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and advancing the bill to the White House for Trump’s signature. The House passed an identical measure in mid-November. Pence also announced that $100 million will go to religious groups working to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.