Policy Pulse | Advocacy heats up in DC

August 18, 2025

Policy Pulse Newsletter - Highlighting Summer 2025 Advocacy Activity

In this newsletter:

Highlights from Advocacy Forum & Hill Day in DC
Milestone for funding of Autism CARES Act
Bills that are making progress through Congress
Major Medicaid changes ahead
Honoring the 35th ADA Anniversary

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Advocating together in Washington DC

On July 14-16, advocates from across the country joined us for our annual Advocacy Forum & Hill Day in Washington, DC. Watch the video below to hear from participants and discover what we accomplished during this 3-day event.

Our Chief Science Officer reflected on the impact of this year's Hill Day in pushing for progress in autism research and care. Read reflection.

New Jersey advocate Kimberlee McCafferty shared how the event helped her feel heard and empowered to do more. Read testimonial.

decades of progress for the Autism Cares Act

Milestone for funding of Autism CARES Act

Within weeks of our annual DC Hill Day when advocates were asking lawmakers to support funding for Autism CARES Act programs, the Senate Appropriations Committee took important action. It passed a bill and accompanying report – with bipartisan support – that provides funding for critical federal autism data, research, and training programs at levels called for by the Autism CARES Act.

This is just one step in the annual budget process, but an exciting milestone to celebrate.

What did the Senate bill include? Read more.

Congress advances key bills

In addition to engaging in federal appropriations and funding discussions, we continue to advocate to advanced endorsed legislation. We are pleased to share some exciting developments with the bills below!

ENABLE Act

Became law

This bill permanently extends three ABLE policies, expanding access to savings opportunities via ABLE Accounts. Read more.

ABLE Employment Flexibility Act

Reintroduced in US House

This bill would allow employers to make tax-exempt contributions directly to employees' ABLE accounts. Learn more.

Autism Family Caregivers Act

Reintroduced in US House

This bill would create a pilot program to award grants for skills training programs for parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities. Read more.

Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act

Passed the US House

This bill would prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in the organ transplant system and ensure adequate supports and accommodations for a successful transplant evaluation, procedure and recovery. Learn more.

Yellow road sign that says "MEDICAID CUTS AHEAD" with blue sky and clouds in background

Major Medicaid changes ahead

In early July, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act became law. It included sweeping changes to Medicaid—nearly $1 trillion in reduced federal spending over the next decade. That means people with autism and their families—many of whom rely on Medicaid for essential therapies, health care, and home- and community-based services—could be at serious risk of losing access to care.

While many provisions don’t take immediate effect, states are already facing tough choices on what to fund, and what to cut. Autism Speaks is monitoring these changes closely and working at the state level to protect the services our community depends on. Learn more.

Honoring the 35th ADA Anniversary

Since its passage in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has been pivotal in creating a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable nation. The landmark civil rights law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life and ensures they have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. We honor its legacy through continued advocacy to ensure the ADA's promise is fully realized. Learn more.

News Corner

Politico highlighted our DC Hill Day, interviewing Dr. Andy Shih and Dave Sitcovsky on why it’s time to treat autism as a lifelong priority, not just a childhood issue.

NBC 5 features former Miss Texas, Annette Addo-Yobo on her advocacy at our DC Hill Day.