Autism Speaks joined with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) on Tues., March 20th, as they announced the introduction of the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007, or EPIAA, landmark legislation that would dramatically expand federal funding for life-long services for people with autism. The EPIAA would authorize approximately $350 million in new federal funding – above and beyond all existing federal dollars – for key programs related to treatments, interventions and services for both children and adults with autism. Click here to ask your Senators to cosponsor the bill. Click here for a press release about the EPIAA.

Autism Speaks' staff and volunteers gathered in Washington, DC as a part of the Annual Volunteer Leadership Conference, which traditionally culminates in a visit to Capitol Hill. On Hill Day, Autism Speaks representatives lobby their respective members of Congress. Visits like these were critical in passing the 2006 Combating Autism Act. This year, Autism Speaks volunteers and staff showed up in record numbers to demonstrate their support of the EPIAA and to encourage other members of Congress to join in the fight against autism.