Washington Report Archive
An Inside Look at Autism Speaks Advocacy in the Nation's Capitol
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) announced the introduction of the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007 (EPIAA), landmark legislation that would dramatically expand federal funding for life-long services for people with autism. The announcement took place on Autism Speaks' annual Hill Day, when volunteers from across the country who are in Washington, D.C., for Autism
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton with Autism Speaks Co-founder Bob Wright
Speaks' national leadership conference, meet with their Represenatives and Senators and request their support on important legislation. Click here for Autism Speaks' press release about the EPIAA. Click here for a photo gallery. Click here to ask your Senators to cosponsor the bill.
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March 2, 2007 U.S. Senate Designates April “National Autism Awareness Month” The U.S. Senate adopted a resolution on Feb. 13 designating April 2007 as “National Autism Awareness Month.” The resolution reflects the Senate's recognition of the autism epidemic, noting the CDC's new prevalence statistic of 1 in 150, and a commitment to raising awareness within the general public. April has traditionally been Autism Awareness Month, recognized and promoted nationally by the autism community. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) introduced the resolution with co-sponsors Sens. Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). This is the third such resolution Sen. Hagel has introduced in his push for improved research, treatment and support for autism—particularly in light of the recent prevalence studies published by the CDC. “This resolution recognizes the importance of autism awareness,” Hagel said. “The prevalence of autism among children remains high, while the causes of autism are poorly understood and there is no cure. It is critical to support research and improve treatments of autism that will foster the health and well-being of autistic individuals.” The resolution echoes Autism Speaks' commitment to research, awareness and support, “designating April 2007 as ‘National Autism Awareness Month' and supporting efforts to increase funding for research into the causes and treatment of autism and to improve training and support for individuals with autism and those who care for individuals with autism.” The full text of the resolution is available here (PDF).
Campaign for Combating Autism Act and D.O.D. Appropriations Continues The Combating Autism Act “authorizes appropriations,” but the actual funding to implement the law will be established by appropriations legislation developed by the House and Senate Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations. |
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Jan. 26, 2007 Legislative Priorities for the Current Congress During the coming year in Congress, Autism Speaks will work to build on the victories of 2006, and to break new legislative ground. Last year, there were two significant legislative victories for the autism community, made possible by the hard work and dedication of autism group leaders, committed members of Congress, and the many parents and other advocates who made their voices heard. First was the enactment in December of the Combating Autism Act (S. 843), which has been described by Washington insiders as the most comprehensive disease-specific legislation ever enacted, and a genuine declaration of war on autism by the federal government. The Combating Autism Act authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism through research, screening, early detection and early intervention. Second was getting Congress to include $7.5 million specifically for autism research in the FY 2007 Defense Appropriations bill. These funds can be used for biomedical and other research aimed at finding the cause(s) and effective treatments for autism for the benefit of affected military families and the community at large. 2007 Legislative Priorities For the first session of the 110th Congress, Autism Speaks' legislative goals are: 1. Implementation of the Combating Autism Act . To seek full implementation of the Combating Autism Act, including necessary appropriations. 2. Appropriations for Autism Research through the Department of Defense . To secure a specified level of funding dedicated to autism research in the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill. 3. Autism Services Legislation . To work with Congress to develop and secure passage of a law to improve access to affordable autism treatment and services. back to top |
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Jan. 5, 2007 New Congress Convenes The new (110th) Congress convened on Thursday, January 4, 2007, with Democrats controlling both the House and Senate for the first time since 1993 . In the House, there will be 233 Democrats and 202 Republicans. In the Senate there will be 49 members of each party, but two Independents will align with the Democrats to give them majority status. Thus, Democrats will chair, and constitute a majority of, each House and Senate committee and subcommittee. In addition, they will be able to determine which legislation will be considered by the full House and Senate, effectively controlling the congressional agenda. However, due to the very narrow majority margin in the Senate, and the rules of that body, the Senate will nonetheless have to work on a bipartisan basis to pass legislation. Here are a few of the items on Autism Speaks' legislative agenda: Appropriations for autism activities. The Combating Autism Act “authorizes appropriations,” but the actual funding to implement the law will be established by appropriations legislation developed by the House and Senate Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations. In the 110th Congress, that House subcommittee will be chaired by David Obey (D-WI), and the corresponding Senate subcommittee will be chaired by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). Autism Speaks will be working to ensure that adequate funding is provided to carry out the activities of the Combating Autism Act. In addition, we will once again work to get funding specifically allocated for autism research in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Autism services bill. Autism Speaks is committed to seeking federal legislation that will enhance the accessibility and affordability of treatment and services for people with autism. We will be working with interested members of Congress to develop and advance such legislation. Please thank Congress for the Combating Autism Act. If you have not already done so, please click here to send a "thank you" note to your U.S representative and senators for supporting the Combating Autism Act. Since the measure was approved by a voice vote in the House and by “unanimous consent” in the Senate, every Member of Congress can be considered a supporter of the legislation. back to top |
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December 19, 2006 President Bush Signs the Combating Autism Act of 2006 |
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Laura Bush stands by President George W. Bush as he signs S. 843, the Combating Autism Act of 2006, in the Oval Office Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006. White House photo by Eric Draper |
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President George W. Bush signed the Combating Autism Act of 2006 on December 19, 2006. The Combating Autism Act was passed by the House on Wednesday, December 6, by a voice vote. The following day, the Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent. The Combating Autism Act authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism, increasing federal spending on autism by at least 50%. The bill includes provisions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorders, and expands and intensifies biomedical research on autism, including an essential focus on possible environmental causes. In a statement released today, Pres. Bush said: "For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase public awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for autism research and treatment. By creating a national education program for doctors and the public about autism, this legislation will help more people recognize the symptoms of autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important foundation for our Nation's efforts to find a cure for autism." Click here for a press statement by Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now. Click here for a White House Fact Sheet on the Combating Autism Act Click here for our complete coverage of the Combating Autism Act. back to top |
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December 13, 2006 Combating Autism Act Ready for President's Signature As reported last week, the Combating Autism Act was passed by the House on Wednesday, December 6, by a voice vote. The following day, the Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent. The bill was presented to the President on Monday, December 11, and now awaits his signature, which is expected within the next ten days. The Combating Autism Act authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism, increasing federal spending on autism by at least 50%. The bill includes provisions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorders, and expands and intensifies biomedical research on autism, including an essential focus on possible environmental causes. back to top |
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December 7, 2006 U.S. Senate Follows House in Passing Combating Autism Act; Cure Autism Now and Autism Speaks Applaud Approval Leadership of Autism Speaks and Cure Autism Now today praised members of the U.S. Senate for swift passage of the Combating Autism Act (S. 843), one day after the bill was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation now moves to the President's desk to be signed into law. The measure authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism through research, screening, early detection and early intervention. back to top |
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December 5, 2006 House and Senate Votes Expected This Week on The Combating Autism Act The Combating Autism is expected to come to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote on Dec. 6, 2006. The bill authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism through research, screening, early detection and early intervention. The new legislation will increase federal spending on autism by at least 50 percent. It includes provisions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorders, and expands and intensifies biomedical research on autism, including an essential focus on possible environmental causes. The bill is endorsed by the major national autism organizations, including Autism Speaks, Cure Autism Now, and the Autism Society of America. The House is expected to approve the bill on Wednesday, Dec. 6, and the Senate is expected to take up and approve the House-passed bill on Thursday, Dec. 7. The Combating Autism Act will then be ready for the President's signature, which is expected. back to top |
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November 13, 2006 Democrats Take the Majority in the House and Senate – What does this mean for the Combating Autism Act? As a result of the recent election, the Congress that convenes in January will have a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, and a 51-49 Democratic majority in the Senate (assuming that the two Independents join the Democratic caucus, as expected). Accordingly, the chairs of congressional committees in both bodies will be Democrats. In the House, John Dingell (D-MI) is expected to replace Joe Barton (R-TX) as the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the Combating Autism Act (CAA). Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) is expected to replace Michael Enzi (R-WY) as the Chairman of the CAA's committee of jurisdiction, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Senator Santorum, sponsor of the CAA in the Senate, was not reelected to serve in the next Congress. Do the election results change the strategy for the CAA? In short, no. Due to the autism community's pressure on Chairman Barton, he is open to serious negotiations, which are ongoing. If a good bill can be achieved during the remainder of this Congress (which reconvenes on November 13), then the CAA could become law by 2007. In any case, we will not settle for a bill that does not achieve the goals of the CAA (including provisions to ensure that federal research dollars are well-directed, with greater “consumer” input and agency accountability). If we cannot achieve the goals of the autism community this year, then our efforts to pass the CAA will recommence with the new Congress in January. Would it be better to wait until the Democrats take over, in hopes of getting a better bill? As explained below, it is not likely that the CAA could pass quickly in the new Congress. If the autism community must continue to devote its efforts to the CAA next year, work on legislation to improve access to treatment and services would be substantially delayed. In the new Congress, the CAA would have to be reintroduced, cosponsors would have to be solicited anew, and the bill will have to vie with many other bills for committee consideration. There is no guarantee that the bill would be a high priority for the new Congress, so it could easily be another year before the CAA reaches its current point in the legislative process (approved by the Senate and under active negotiation for Floor consideration in the House, with a positive outlook for reconciling the two bills in conference). Moreover, there is no guarantee that content of the bill would be substantially better than a bill negotiated during the lame-duck session this year. A final note: It is important to understand that the CAA, like most "authorizing" legislation, does not actually provide funding. Although authorizing legislation is important in directing the government's activities, actual funding levels for those activities are determined by the annual appropriations process. The autism community needs to work hard each year to make sure that autism research receives the funding levels it deserves during the appropriations process. Enactment of the CAA now would strengthen our position in the competition for scarce funds next year. back to top |
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October 19, 2006 Autism families and the media demand action on the Combating Autism Act, pressuring Joe Barton to bring the bill to the floor. Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has come under increasing pressure to allow the Combating Autism Act to move to the House Floor. (Click here for a story from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Click here for a story from CBS 11 News in Dallas. Click here to see actress Patricia Heaton speak out on ABC's This Week news show.) Both the House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) and the Senate-passed version (S. 843) have been referred to his committee. Autism Speaks has been pushing for the House to consider the Senate-passed version of the bill this year, but Barton has been an obstacle. (He wants his House-passed National Institutes of Health reauthorization bill to be approved by the Senate first.) The best way to pressure Chairman Barton and House leaders is through their House colleagues. Please ask your Representative to contact Chairman Barton, Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), and Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) about moving the Combating Autism Act this year. You can call through the Capitol switchboard at 202-225-3121. Click here for talking points or to find out who your Representative is. If you have called already, please follow up to see if your Representative has contacted Barton, Boehner and Hastert. You should also contact Chairman Barton, and House leaders yourself. You can reach all of them through the Capitol switchboard (202-225-3121), or click here for direct numbers and talking points. back to top |
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October 12, 2006 Your Action Still Needed on the Combating Autism Act. Grassroots volunteers are continuing to work hard to save the Combating Autism Act. Act. As reported last week, House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) refused to move the Senate-passed Combating Autism Act (S.843) from his committee prior to the pre-election congressional recess. Rep. Barton or House leadership could still bring the bill to the House Floor during the "lame-duck" session of Congress after the elections, but they need to keep hearing from their Republican colleagues and constituents. Please call your own Representative, Chairman Barton, and House leadership to let them know how important this is to you. Click here for more on how to contact your representative, Chairman Barton, and House leaders. (If you have already done so, thank you! Please follow up with your own Representative to see if he or she has contacted Rep. Barton and House leaders. Capitol switchboard: 202-225-3121.) back to top |
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September 29, 2006 Combating Autism Act In Jeopardy.
The refusal of House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) to move the Combating Autism Act (S.843) from his committee and bring it to the floor for a vote prior to the pre-election recess is a devastating blow to people with autism and their families. However, the fight for this critical legislation continues. Click here to find out what you can do to let Rep. Barton and House leaders know how important this legislation is to you and your family. Click here to read the Autism Community Consensus Statement on the Combating Autism Act. Autism Research Through the Department of Defense --GREAT NEWS. A House-Senate conference committee has decided to include $7.5 million dedicated to autism research in the FY 2007 Defense appropriations bill. The bill should be heading to the President's desk shortly. The conference committee accepted the full amount that the House had provided in its version of the bill. The Senate bill had not provided any funding for autism research. Several Senators and Representatives should be thanked for their leadership, and many more for their support. Those who were most instrumental in getting this funding were Representatives C. W. “Bill” Young (R-FL), John Murtha (D-PA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); and Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH), and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). Please click here to thank them and other congressional supporters. The autism research funds will be distributed through an ongoing Department of Defense medical research program, which also funds research on a number of other medical conditions, including breast, prostate and ovarian cancer, juvenile diabetes, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. back to top |
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September 22, 2006 Combating Autism Act.
Autism Speaks and other groups continue to work toward passage this year of the Combating Autism Act. Toward that end, we are seeking to get 218 Representatives (a majority of the House) to cosponsor the House version of the bill (H.R. 2421). As of September 22, 2006, the bill had 189 cosponsors, so we need to get only 29 more.Please help! If you have not already done so, please click here to contact your representative to ask him or her to cosponsor the bill, or to thank him or her for cosponsoring. Autism Research Through the Department of Defense. In recognition of the special challenges to military families who have a child with autism, the House of Representatives has included $7.5 million dedicated to autism research in the Defense Appropriations bill. The Senate version of the bill, however, does not include any funding for autism research. Within the next few weeks, a House-Senate “conference committee” will negotiate a final, compromise bill. Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) circulated a letter for signature by their Senate colleagues to urge Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Ranking Member Daniel Inouye (D-HI) to accept the House funding level for autism research. The letter was signed by a total of 18 Senators of both parties. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) circulated a similar letter in the House, which was sent to House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman C. W. Bill Young (R-FL) and Ranking Member John Murtha (D-PA). That letter was signed by 43 Representatives of both parties. back to top |
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September 7, 2006 Combating Autism Act. Autism Speaks and other groups continue to work toward passage this year of the Combating Autism Act. Toward that end, we are seeking additional cosponsors for the House version of the bill (H.R. 2421), which currently has 141 cosponsors. Please click here to contact your representative to ask him or her to cosponsor the bill, or to thank him or her for cosponsoring. back to top |
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| Autism Speaks Board Member Ann Boeker Gibbons, Stacie Oliver of Senator Mike DeWine's office, and DeWine constituent Justin Boeker |
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Autism Research Through the Department of Defense.
In recognition of the special challenges to military families who have a child with autism, the House of Representatives has included $7.5 million dedicated to autism research in the Defense Appropriations bill. The Senate version of the bill, however, does not include any funding for autism research. Within the next few weeks, a House-Senate "conference committee" will negotiate a final, compromise bill. Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) have agreed to circulate a letter for signature by their Senate colleagues that will urge Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Ranking Member Daniel Inouye (D-HI) to accept the House funding level for autism research. Senator DeWine agreed to circulate this letter after a visit to his staff from Toledo, Ohio, constituent Justin Boeker, grandfather of a child with autism, and Autism Speaks Board Member Ann Boeker Gibbons. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) are circulating a similar letter in the House, to be sent to House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman C. W. Bill Young (R-FL) and Ranking Member John Murtha (D-PA). Please click here to contact your members of Congress about this issue. back to top |
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August 25, 2006 Florida Volunteers Visit with Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Bill Young about Autism Research Funding The August congressional recess is actually a “district work period” for Members of Congress because it gives them a chance to spend time with constituents at home. Several Florida volunteers took advantage of this opportunity to have a personal meeting with Representative C. W. Bill Young (R-FL-10th) on August 22. As Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Mr. Young's support was critical in getting $7.5 million allocated for autism research in the House version of the FY 2007 Defense Appropriations bill. This is the first time that the bill has designated funding for autism research, although the Department of Defense funds research on a number of other medical conditions, including Parkinson's disease, juvenile diabetes, epilepsy, and breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Autism Speaks Regional Director for Central/West Florida, Jennifer Robinson, arranged the meeting so that she and several other constituents could thank Mr. Young for his support of autism research. They also urged him to work hard to preserve autism research funding in the final version of the bill, which must be negotiated “in conference” with the Senate. The Senate version of the bill does not include any funding for autism research. Mr. Young was very receptive as constituents described, first hand, the difficulties faced by military families who have a child with autism, and the pressing need for research to determine the causes and prevention of autism and the most effective treatments for those affected. For up-to-date information on what you can do to help secure funding for autism research in the final Defense Appropriations bill, please sign up for Autism Speaks Advocacy Alerts and/or check the Autism Speaks Legislative Agenda page. back to top |
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August 4, 2006 Combating Autism Act. The Senate approved this landmark legislation on August 3. The bill, which now goes before the House of Representatives, would nearly double federal spending on autism. The bill was approved in the Senate by unanimous consent. In introducing the bill for consideration on the Senate floor, co-sponsors Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) both thanked Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright for their tireless efforts in support of the legislation. Click here to read more about the bill. See a list of bill cosponsors and contact your Representative about cosponsoring the bill. back to top |
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July 27, 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. As reported in June, the House of Representatives passed a FY 2007 Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations bill that includes $7.5 million for autism research. The Senate version of the bill is not expected to include this funding, however, since it was not included in the Defense Appropriations bill reported out of committee last week. Therefore, advocates must work to get the House-Senate conference committee to include the House provision in its "conference report" (House-Senate compromise bill). Combating Autism Act. As indicated in last week's update, an amended version of the Senate Combating Autism Act (S. 843) was approved by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on July 19. Since then it has gained a new Senate cosponsor – Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) – for a total of 42 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). Given the bill's broad bipartisan support in the Senate, it is hoped that Senate passage will be forthcoming. The next step will be House consideration of the bill. Therefore, advocates must work hard to increase the number of cosponsors of the House bill (H.R. 2421), aiming for a majority of 218 Representatives. So far, there are 141 House supporters, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). Five new cosponsors signed on since the last update - Representatives Daniel Lungren (R-CA-3), Charles Pickering (R-MS-3), Adam Putnam (R-FL-12), Jim Ramstad (R-MN-3), and David Scott (D-GA-13).
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July 20, 2006 The Combating Autism Act Approved by Senate Committee. On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions unanimously approved the Combating Autism Act (S. 843), as it had been amended in negotiations prior to this mark-up. Thus, the next step for the bill is consideration by the full Senate, which is expected to occur in late July or early August. It is hoped that the House will take up the Senate-passed bill in September or October. Autism Speaks supports this bill, which will significantly enhance autism research, surveillance and screening. Among other things, it would authorize spending of nearly $1 billion over five years for autism research; increase agency accountability for autism research expenditures; and establish new Centers of Excellence in Environmental Health, which would be charged with conducting research related to a broad array of environmental factors that may have a possible role in autism spectrum disorders. It is expected that language in the committee report accompanying the bill, and statements made in the Congressional Record when the bill is considered on the Senate Floor, will convey congressional intent that vaccines and their preservatives should be considered such environmental factors. The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) gained two new cosponsors this week - Representatives Jim McDermott, (D-WA-7) and Lee Terry (R-NE-2) - bringing the total number of House supporters to 136, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). The Senate bill currently has 41 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). Arizona Approves $9.6 million for Autism Research, Services The Arizona Legislature and Governor Janet Napolitano recently approved two separate measures bringing a total of $9.6 million to autism research and support services. Click here to read more. back to top |
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July 14, 2006 The Combating Autism Act. On Wednesday, the staff of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions released its re-draft of the Combating Autism Act (S. 843). The bill is expected to be considered by the committee in a "mark-up" on July 19. The bill would authorize spending of nearly $1 billion over five years for autism research, education and awareness; increase agency accountability for autism research expenditures; and establish new Centers of Excellence in Environmental Health, which would be charged with conducting research "related to a broad array of environmental factors that may have a possible role in autism spectrum disorders." The bill gained a new cosponsor this week, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), bringing the total number of Senate supporters to 41, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) gained two new cosponsors this week - Representatives Thomas Allen (D-ME-1) and Alcee Hastings (D-FL-23), bringing the total number of House supporters to 134, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). back to top |
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June 30, 2006 State legislation. Not all the action is in Washington, D.C.! There have been two exciting legislative developments at the state level in the past 10 days. On June 20, the New York legislature approved a bill (A699-B) that would provide insurance parity for individuals with autism by prohibiting insurers from denying coverage for services based solely on a diagnosis of autism. Currently, many health insurance plans in the state do not cover diagnosis and treatment of autism even though they cover treatment for similar neurobiological disorders. For purposes of this law, “autism” is defined as “a neurobiological condition that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, Rett's syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder.” The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (23rd Assembly District, Queens), and now awaits the Governor's signature. On June 23, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed a law (Public Act 094-0906) mandating that all state and local insurance plans, as well as private insurance plans offered by many employers, pay for the treatment of pervasive developmental disorders. It also requires group health benefit plans to provide coverage for 20 additional outpatient visits for speech therapy than otherwise provided. The law takes effect immediately, and as plans are renewed over the course of the next year, the additional coverage will be included in the new policies. The measure (originally bill HB 4125) was sponsored by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) and Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Highwood). The Combating Autism Act. At this time, the Senate bill (S. 843) has 40 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) currently has 130 supporters, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). back to top |
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June 23, 2006
The Combating Autism Act. During the past week, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) joined as a cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 843). Senator Harkin is a member of the committee that has jurisdiction over the bill (the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee). He also holds the important position of Ranking Minority Member of the appropriations subcommittee that develops the annual spending bill to fund programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Senate bill now has 40 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) currently has 130 supporters, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). Click here to read Senator Santorum's June 16, 2006, column on the Combating Autism Act. back to top |
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June 16, 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. There is excellent news to report – the FY 2007 Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Bill, reported out of the House Appropriations Committee this week, includes $7.5 million for autism research. The DoD already funds research on a number of other medical conditions, and Autism Speaks/NAAR and their volunteers have been working for several years to get dedicated DoD funding for autism research. The bill must still be approved by the full House and then reconciled with the Senate DoD appropriations bill, which has not yet been developed. Click here to read Autism Speaks' press release about the DoD funding. Click here to read a release from Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-4). The Combating Autism Act. During the past week, Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) joined as a cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 843). Thus, the bill now has 39 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) gained three new cosponsors -- Representatives Dan Boren (D-OK-2), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD-At-large), and Jon C. Porter (R-NV-3). Thus, the House bill now has 130 supporters, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). CDC and NIH Appropriations. Autism Speaks has been advocating for an increase of $5 million for CDC's autism surveillance, research and awareness activities in FY 2007, and for a 5% increase in overall funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (Congress does not specify funding levels for particular NIH research topics, but can express its support in the report accompanying the bill.) This week, the House Appropriations Committee reported out its version of the FY 2007 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill. For the CDC's autism research, surveillance, and awareness activities, the bill provides a slight increase over last year's level, for a total of $15.5 million (compared with $15.1 in FY 2006). The House recommended that the $15.5 million be divided as follows: $12.8 million for surveillance and research, and $2.7 million for awareness activities. This compares to FY 2006 funding of approximately $12.6 million for autism surveillance and research, and $2.5 million for the awareness campaign. For the NIH, the House bill cut overall funding by $300,000, as requested by the President. Within the NIH, the subcommittee also followed the President's proposed budget, providing $1.394 billion for the National Institute of Mental Health, a 0.48% decrease from FY 2006, and $1.257 billion for the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, a 0.58% decrease from FY 2006. Accordingly, funding for autism research would decline from $102 million in FY 2006 to $101 million in FY 2007, if the House bill's funding levels eventually become law. The Senate has not yet taken action on appropriations for NIH or CDC. Final funding levels will be determined by a House-Senate conference committee, most likely after the November elections. back to top |
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June 9, 2006 The Combating Autism Act. During the past week, Senators Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Jim Talent (R-MO), joined as cosponsors of the Senate bill (S. 843). The bill now has 38 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) also gained new cosponsors - Representatives John Lewis (D-GA-5) and Richard Neal (D-MA-2). The House bill now has 128 supporters, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. The Department of Defense (DoD) funds research on a number of medical conditions. Autism Speaks and its volunteers have been working to get to $10 million allocated specifically for autism research in the FY 2007 DoD budget. On Wednesday, June 7, the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its FY 2007 appropriations bill in a session closed to the public. Information on whether funding was allocated for autism research should be available next week. CDC and NIH Appropriations. Autism Speaks has been advocating for an increase in $5 million for CDC's autism surveillance, research and awareness activities, and for enhanced autism research at the NIH. (Congress does not specify funding levels for particular NIH research, but can express its support in the report accompanying the bill.) On Wednesday, June 7, the House appropriations subcommittee that recommends funding levels for the CDC and NIH marked up its FY 2007 bill. The mark-up was closed to the public, however, and information on the bill and report language will not be available until next week. back to top |
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May 26, 2006
The Combating Autism Act. The House version of the Combating Autism Act (H.R. 2421) gained another cosponsor this week – Representative Jerry Weller (R-IL-11). This brings the total number of House supporters to 126, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). During the past week, Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) joined as a cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 843), which now has 35 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). |
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Pittsburgh area volunteers for Autism Speaks met with staffers for Pittsburgh area representatives. From left to right: Jody Mortimer, Joe Gali, Travis Windle from Rep. Melissa Hart's office, Patti McCloud, Kim Motosicky, Lisa Baxter, Kim Forrester. Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. On Wednesday, May 24, several Autism Speaks volunteers from the Pittsburgh area traveled to Washington to enlist support for autism research funding through the Department of Defense. The volunteers had very positive meetings with key staff members of Pittsburgh-area Representatives John Murtha (D-PA-12), Mike Doyle (D-PA-14), Melissa Hart (R-PA-4), and Tim Murphy (R-PA-18). Representative Murtha is the Ranking Minority Member on the DoD appropriations subcommittee, which is responsible for developing the DoD funding bill. The DoD currently funds research on a variety of medical disorders, and Autism Speaks is working to $10 million allocated specifically for autism research in the FY 2007 DoD budget. Representative Doyle is co-chair of the House autism caucus with colleague Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ). They were joined by Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) in soliciting their colleagues' support for the $10 million request for DoD autism research funding. Thirty-nine House Members signed their letter of support to the DoD appropriations subcommittee. back to top |
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May 19, 2006
Funding for Autism Research. Autism Speaks Board Member Ann Gibbons presented testimony before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education at a hearing on May 19. Gibbons spoke about the negative effects on autism research that would result if funding for the National Institutes of Health is reduced, as proposed in President Bush's budget. Autism Speaks is advocating for enhanced autism research at the NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for a new autism research program at the Department of Defense. Click here to read her testimony. The Combating Autism Act. The House version of the Combating Autism Act (H.R. 2421) has gained four new cosponsors in the past week - Reps. Harold E. Ford (D-Tenn.), Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.), Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), and John Murtha (D-Pa.). This brings the total number of House supporters to 125, including original sponsors Reps. Mary Bono (R-Calif.) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo). The Senate bill (S. 843) now has 34 supporters, including original sponsors Sens. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.). back to top |
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May 12, 2006
The Combating Autism Act. The House version of the Combating Autism Act (H.R. 2421) recently gained two new cosponsors – Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-2) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8). This brings the total number of House supporters to 121, including original sponsors Representatives Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). The Senate bill (S. 843) now has 34 supporters, including original sponsors Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). back to top |
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May 5, 2006
The Combating Autism Act. Both the House and Senate versions of the Combating Autism Act (S. 843/H.R. 2421) have gained new cosponsors during the past week, bringing the total to 34 Senators and 119 House members. The new Senate cosponsors are Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Sununu (R-NH), David Vitter (R-LA), and John McCain (R-AZ). Senators Murray and Reed are both on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which has jurisdiction over the bill. In the House, the new cosponsors are Reps. Mike Ross (D-AR-4), Rick Renzi (R-AZ-1), and Gary Ackerman (D-NY-5). Representative Ross is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the bill in the House. CDC Appropriations. Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA), co-chairs of the Congressional Autism Caucus, have been circulating a letter among their House colleagues soliciting support for increased funding for autism surveillance, epidemiological research and awareness activities at the National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirty-six House members ultimately signed on to the letter, asking the relevant appropriations subcommittee to increase funding for the NCBDDD's autism activities by $5 million in FY 2007. The letter also requests subcommittee report language encouraging the National Institutes of Health to enhance its research into autism. Department of Defense Appropriations. Reps. Smith and Doyle also circulated a letter among their House colleagues soliciting support for $10 million for autism research through the Department of Defense (DoD) in FY 2007. The DoD already funds biomedical research on a number of medical conditions. While autism research currently can be conducted with DoD's general medical research funds, the $10 million allocation sought for FY 2007 would be dedicated solely to autism research. Thirty-nine House Members signed on to this letter, which was directed to the relevant House appropriations subcommittee. back to top |
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April 28, 2006
Earlier this month, nearly 90 volunteers and staff of Autism Speaks visited their U.S. Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill. Since these constituent visits, 18 additional House Members have signed on as cosponsors of the Combating Autism Act, including the co-chairs of the congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education - Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA); the Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee of the Energy & Commerce Committee (which has jurisdiction over the bill) - Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH); and the Vice-Chair of the full committee - Rep. Michael Bilirakis (R-FL). As of April 27, there were a total of 116 Representatives supporting the bill (34 Republicans, 81 Democrats, and one Independent). In the Senate, there are also new cosponsors - Senators Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). Senator Bingaman is on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, which has jurisdiction over the bill. As of April 27, there were a total of 29 Senators supporting the bill (8 Republicans, 20 Democrats, and one Independent). back to top |
| April 7, 2006 |
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From left to right, Bob Wright, Suzanne Wright, Jonathan Shestack, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Katie Wright, Dierdre Imus On April 4, nearly 90 volunteers and staff of Autism Speaks went to visit their U.S. Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill. They visited 40 Senate offices and 51 House offices to urge support of the Combating Autism Act. Click here to see photos from the April 4 visits. On April 5th, Bob and Suzanne Wright, their daughter Katie, Deirdre Imus, and Autism Speaks board member Ann Gibbons joined Cure Autism Now co-founder and board member Jonathan Shestack and CAN board members Elizabeth Emken and Craig Snyder to meet with members of Congress to encourage their further support of the Combating Autism Act. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Representative Mary Bono (R-CA), and Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) thanked Autism Speaks for its efforts in promoting this important piece of legislation. (Reps. Bono and DeGette are the original sponsors of the House bill.) Click here for a photo gallery from the April 5 visits. Since these Hill visits, six additional House Members have already signed on as cosponsors of the Combating Autism Act, including the co-chairs of the congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education - Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA). Other new cosponsors are Reps. Danny Davis (D-IL-7), Michael Michaud (D-ME-2), Solomon Ortiz (D-TX-27), and Fred Upton (R-MI-6). Thus, there are now a total of 28 Senate supporters and 104 House supporters from both sides of the aisle. back to top |
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March 24, 2006
In an effort to secure additional funding for autism research during Federal Fiscal Year 2007, Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) are circulating two letters among their House colleagues. One letter is directed to the House appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over Department of Defense (DoD) funding, and asks for $10 million to be dedicated to autism research through the DoD's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. Click here to learn more about the Department of Defense (DoD) Autism Research Appropriation Request. Click here to ask your members of congress to support the Appropriation Request. The other letter is directed to the appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Department of Health and Human Services. That letter asks for a $5 million increase in funding for autism activities (surveillance, epidemiological research, and awareness) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. back to top |
March 17, 2006
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| March 10, 2006 Since last week's visit to Washington D.C. by the Wrights, Deirdre Imus, and CAN board members, the Combating Autism Act (S. 843) has gained an additional Senate cosponsor - Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) - bringing the total number of Senators supporting the bill to 25. The House version of the bill (H.R. 2421) has gained three additional cosponsors - Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV-2), Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-6), and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI-4) - bringing the total number of House supporters to 96. back to top |
| March 3, 2006 |
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From left to right, Elizabeth Emken; Bob Wright; Senator Bill Frist; Deirdre Imus; Suzanne Wright; Katie Wright Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright, their daughter Katie Wright, Deirdre Imus, founder of the Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology, and Cure Autism Now board members Elizabeth Emken and Craig Snyder met with Senate leaders Bill Frist (R-TN), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) on Wednesday, March 1, to discuss the Children's Health Act of 2000 and to lobby for the Combating Autism Act in the Senate. Later that day Majority Leader Frist addressed the issue of autism on the floor of the Senate (click here for his remarks in the Congressional Record). Meanwhile, the Combating Autism Act has recently gained six new sponsors. As of March 2, the bill has a total of 93 supporters in the House of Representatives, including 26 Republicans, 66 Democrats and one Independent. There are a total of 24 supporters of the Senate bill, including 6 Republicans, 17 Democrats and one Independent. |
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