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The bill would authorize $50 billion over five years, yet he incorrectly states that it would be "more than three times President Bush's original 2003 proposal." In fact, it would authorize $37 billion over five years for AIDS programs (including those that promote fidelity), a 23 percent increase from the $30 billion the president proposed, while adding $13 billion for tuberculosis and malaria programs.

The total is still less than 2 percent of the discretionary budget, so it is misleading to suggest this bill would bust the budget. The global health programs it would authorize are, in fact, a worthy investment in nonmilitary U.S. leadership, which Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has said is crucial to long-term security. Mr. DeMint is right to praise private giving, but the enormity of global disease threats requires urgent government action.

DAVID BRYDEN

Communications director

Global AIDS Alliance

Washington

Medal of Honor recipient

When will the media get it right ("Soldier earns Medal of Honor," Around the Nation, Saturday)?

Awarding of the Medal of Honor is not the result of a winning a contest, or, as in the Boy Scouts, of gaining enough points for a merit badge. Pure and simple: Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis of Knox, Pa., was the recipient of the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism" by giving his life to save the lives of four of his comrades by falling on a grenade thrown into their Humvee.

MIKE BENGE

Falls Church

Unprofessional president

The photographs of unprofessional behavior between newly commissioned Air Force officers and President Bush on the front page of Thursday's edition are incredibly disappointing.

Their behavior was clownish, and it sets a horrible example for everyone in the military.

The office of the president deserves the utmost respect. We must seriously question the maturity and judgment of officers who fail to grasp this concept.

SGT. STEVEN PRYOR

Marine Corps

Bowie