Bill Boots Hiv-Carriers, But Pays Benefits

The men and women Congress wants discharged from the armed forces because they carry the AIDS virus would retain their full medical and dental benefits, President Clinton’s spokesman said Friday.

“They won’t face any lack of support,” said White House press secretary Mike McCurry. “They’ll be in a situation similar to other military retirees.”

McCurry said the administration will work closely with allies on Capitol Hill “to pursue legislation that would reverse this policy and do so … within the six-month period before it takes effect.”

The Defense Department said that 1,049 male and female service members would have to be discharged within six months under the terms of the bill.

The discharge order was inserted in the $265 billion defense authorization bill during House debate by Rep. Bob Dornan, R-Calif. Current military policy allows HIV carriers to remain in the military as long as they are able to perform their duties.

Clinton has agreed to sign the defense bill, which passed the Senate Friday evening in a 56-34 vote. McCurry said Clinton believes the bill’s other provisions - including the full increases in military pay the president had called for - outweigh its objectionable elements.

AIDS activists challenged the White House assertion that service members who leave on “involuntary discharge” because they carry the HIV virus will get the same medical benefits as others who retire from the military or leave on medical discharges.

The Human Rights Campaign, which follows gay rights and AIDS issues, contends that those with the virus may find it difficult to get health care services.