By CatholicVote | Created at 2024-12-19 00:56:13 | Updated at 2024-12-19 04:09:05
3 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-N.J.) Autism CARES Act of 2024 is set to become law after passing the House with overwhelming bipartisan support (374-15).
The legislation provides more than $1.95 billion over five years for autism-related programs, including research, early detection, and intervention efforts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The bill, which previously passed the Senate in November, aims to enhance the lives of Americans with autism through robust funding and innovative measures.
“This legislation will help make a huge difference in the lives of the millions of Americans with autism by providing robust funding for durable remedies as well as effective early detection and intervention services to allow them the highest quality of life possible,” said Smith, who has spearheaded previous versions of the law.
Smith highlighted that autism affects one in 36 children nationwide, with even higher rates in New Jersey. He emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of individuals on the spectrum, including the estimated 1.8 million “profoundly autistic Americans.”
The act mandates:
- Expanded research at NIH to address challenges faced by individuals and caregivers as they age, including mental health and co-occurring conditions.
- Growth of NIH Centers of Excellence to seven, ensuring research reflects the diverse autism population and addresses issues like physical safety and well-being.
- Introduction of a professional bypass budget to prioritize research areas and allocate resources for quality-of-life improvements.
- Promotion of assistive communication technologies for individuals with communication needs.
The bipartisan bill, co-led by Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and supported by 61 additional cosponsors, has received strong backing from prominent autism advocacy organizations such as Autism New Jersey, Autism Speaks, and the Autism Society.
Cuellar praised the legislation’s comprehensive approach to expanding research and care, stating, “Through this bill, we continue important work in understanding the causes of autism, the best ways to treat autism, and incorporate the voices of those previously missed by research.”
Smith, a long-time advocate for the autism community, credited Bobbie and Billy Gallagher from Brick Township, New Jersey, for inspiring his decades-long effort. In 1997, the Gallaghers drew attention to high autism rates in Ocean County, prompting Smith to invite the CDC to investigate. Their findings revealed significant prevalence rates, leading to Smith’s authorship of the Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research and Epidemiology Act, incorporated into the Children’s Health Act of 2000.
Smith continues to collaborate with the Gallaghers to advance federal autism programs, which he described as “woefully inadequate” at the outset. Reflecting on their shared commitment, Smith stated, “It all started in September 1997… their indomitable commitment to help their two children — Austin and Alanna — and everyone else with autism.”
The Autism CARES Act of 2024 represents a significant achievement in supporting the estimated 6.8 million Americans with autism. It underscores a bipartisan effort to prioritize research, early intervention, and quality-of-life improvements for individuals on the spectrum. As Smith noted, the legislation builds on years of advocacy to ensure individuals with autism can achieve their fullest potential.
