The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted down an amendment that would have continued the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs (SEPs). However, a clause remains that federal funds cannot be used for SEPs within 1,000 feet of an educational institution, park, playground, or youth center, as well as other public places. The 1,000-foot restriction severely hampers efforts to implement successful syringe exchange programs, particularly in urban areas. If the U.S. is serious about ending the AIDS pandemic, it must not put ideology before. Call on the U.S. Congress to fix the legislation by allowing more flexibility in locations of needle exchange programs, and help reduce the spread of HIV.