Senate Allows AIDS-AZT Program to Lapse
The Senate failed to act Friday on an extension of the federal program that provides the medicine AZT for AIDS patients, letting it lapse as of March 31.
The Senate began a two-week recess without passing a bill that would have shifted $5 million in AIDS research funds to provide the expensive medicine for AIDS patients. AZT is the only government-approved medicine to slow the progress of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) said: “I am confident that we shall be able to resume the program when the Senate returns in April.”
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