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Inserted in the U.S. Senate-approved $50 billion (with a "b") global AIDS bill is a chunk of money that could improve health care throughout the state and help make the honey bucket, finally, part of Alaska's past.

According to Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski's office, the U.S. Senate approved the five-year AIDS spending bill last week, including amendments to fund Indian safety and health programs.

The amendments designate $250 million for the federal Indian Health Service for Native hospitals and clinics, water and wastewater systems in Alaska Native villages, and Native health service at community hospitals in Alaska when Native facilities cannot provide the care.

Murkowski noted that new Native hospitals in Barrow and Nome are at the top of the IHS priority list. Alaska also ranks at the top of the IHS list for sanitation deficiencies, and has been the top recipient of IHS sanitation facilities construction funds.

The legislation now moves to a Senate-House committee before it goes to President Bush, who has expressed support. The bill would replace and expand a 2003 $15 billion AIDS plan.

We applaud the federal government's commitment toward helping those who suffer from AIDS, and for helping Alaskans who suffer from limited health-care opportunities. The ongoing need for proper health care throughout the state is clear, and Bush Alaskans are in particular need, because they can't just hop in the car and drive to a clinic in the next town.

Plumbing is a less obvious health issue, especially for those of us who never lived without that modern convenience. While most folks in Ketchikan are hooked up to some kind of sewage system, honey buckets are not unheard of here and elsewhere in Southeast. Honey buckets have been linked to outbreaks of hepatitis, bronchitis, impetigo, meningitis and more.

That Bush solution to the lack of indoor plumbing certainly has earned its place in history. However, it's time for us all to get with the program, at least when it comes to waste.