During debate on the 2004 defense appropriations bill, Senator Byrd (D-WV) offered an amendment which would have redirected $1.1 billion from the defense spending bill to programs designed to halt the international spread of AIDS. Progressives supported Byrd's proposal because, in their view, the U.S. should be taking a more active role in fighting the AIDS pandemic. Senator Steven's (R-AK) motioned to table (kill) Byrd's amendment and the motion passed 71-24 thereby defeating Byrd's measure