News outlets report on Senate State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on global health programs held on Wednesday.

Agence France-Presse: U.S. must lead on AIDS funding: Elton John
“Elton John forecast Wednesday the end of AIDS in his lifetime — but only if the United States keeps leading the world in bankrolling its eradication. The British pop music icon and AIDS activist was the star turn at a Senate hearing on future funding for the United States’ core global AIDS initiative…” (MacPherson, 5/7).

Bloomberg Politics: Elton John Wows Congress with Pitch To Protect Global Anti-AIDS Funding
“… ‘Congress’s leadership has been transformational,’ said John, a prominent anti-AIDS activist. … ‘Because of the actions of this Congress, the course of the AIDS epidemic was altered for all of humanity,’ John, one of Queen Elizabeth’s Knights Bachelor, told representatives of the former colonies…” (Kapur, 5/6).

The Guardian: Elton John tells U.S. Congress it has the power to end AIDS
“…He went on to describe a ‘window of opportunity’ to bring about the end of AIDS in his lifetime, and urged the subcommittee to use its power — namely, its financial heft — to make sure that window would not close due to a lack of attention…” (Mokoena, 5/7).

The Hill: Elton John: Congress can end AIDS
“…John was invited to testify at a hearing held by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) — both of whom also held a reception for the singer on Tuesday night…” (Ferris, 5/6).

USA TODAY: Elton John to Congress on AIDS: Do more
“…He also decried the ‘stigma’ against people who have HIV or AIDS, especially in some African countries where laws against being gay hamper efforts to treat people who are sick…” (Puente, 5/6).

Washington Post: Cause Celeb: Elton John on AIDS funding
“…The pop singer/songwriter wasn’t the only recognizable name lined up to speak — he was seated next to megachurch pastor Rick Warren, whose flock is engaged in public health initiatives around the globe…” (Heil, 5/6).

Washington Times: Elton John to Congress: Stigma is greatest threat to stopping AIDS for good
“…Mr. Graham said [U.S. global health funding] is a great use of federal dollars but is under threat by so-called sequester caps on spending…” (Howell, 5/6).