House and Senate Pass FY 09 Defense Appropriations Bill Containing $8 Million in Funding for Autism Research
(Washington, D.C. - September 27, 2008) Today, the Fiscal Year 2009 Defense Appropriations bill was passed by the Senate by a vote of 78-12. This bill has already been passed by the full House by a vote of 370-58.
As passed, the bill includes $8 million for the Department of Defense Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Program (the DoDASDRP). In last year’s FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill, Congress included $6.4 million for this program to further the field of autism research and help improve treatments and interventions for children with autism.
The bill will now go to the President for signature. Read More...
Autism Takes Center Stage at the RNC
Minneapolis, MN (September 5, 2008) Autism was a part of the Republican National Convention this week. Both Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin voiced their support for children and families with special needs.
Quotes from speeches:
Senator John McCain:
“I fight for Americans... I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pa. Jake works on a loading dock, coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a school teacher working towards her master’s degree. They have two sons, the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office and they matter to me.”
Governor Sarah Palin:
“And children with special needs inspire a special love. To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House."
Autism Takes Center Stage at the DNC
Denver, CO (August 28, 2008) Autism was part of the Democratic National Convention this week. Both Senator Hillary and Former President Bill Clinton highlighted autism in their speeches.
Quotes from speeches:
Senator Hillary Clinton:
“I will always remember the single mom who had adopted two kids with autism. She didn't have any health insurance and she discovered she had cancer. But she greeted me with her bald head painted with my name on it and asked me to fight for health care for her and her children.”
Former President Bill Clinton:
“I will never forget the parents of children with autism and other serious conditions who told me on the campaign trail that they couldn't afford health care and couldn't qualify their children for Medicaid unless they quit work and starved or got a divorce.”
Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) Introduces House Version of Helping HANDS for Autism Act
(Washington, DC - June 16, 2008) Yesterday, Congresswoman Kay Granger of the Texas 12th District introduced the House companion bill to Senator Robert Menendez's Helping HANDS for Autism Act. Like the Senate version of the bill, Rep. Granger's H.R. 6282 is a three-part legislative package designed not only to support families with autism spectrum disorders, but also to increase public awareness and provide adult services for individuals with autism.
Rep. Granger was joined by Rep. Jim McGovern (MA), Rep. Chris Smith (NJ), Rep. Mike Doyle (PA), Rep. Dan Burton (IN), and Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (TX) in her introduction of the bill. Read More...
Washington Post Reports on the Disability Savings Act of 2008
(June 13, 2008) The Washington Post published an article today entitled Equity for the Disabled on the Disability Savings Act of 2008.
AUTISM SPEAKS APPLAUDS SEN. MENENDEZ'S NEW PLAN TO SUPPORT FAMILIES DEALING WITH AUTISM
(April 28, 2008- WASHINGTON, DC) U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) unveiled new legislation today to support families dealing with autism spectrum disorders. Senator Menendez was joined by the groups Autism Speaks and the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC), as well as local parents of autistic children, in announcing the plan, which comes as Autism Awareness Month draws to a close.
The Helping HANDS for Autism Act is a three-part legislative package that includes a program to guide families seeking services and care, increased public awareness and housing for adults with ASD. At 1 in 94 children diagnosed with ASD, New Jersey has the highest rate in the nation. Read More...
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) Introduces The Disability Savings Act of 2008
(Washington, DC - March 11, 2008) Autism Speaks co-founders, Bob and Suzanne Wright, and participants in the organization's Hill Day 2008 joined Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) for the introduction of the Disability Savings Act (DSA) of 2008. The DSA is designed to encourage individuals with autism (and other disabilities) and their families to save for disability-related expenses. It is meant to supplement, rather than replace benefits provided by other sources (including Medicaid and private insurance). Read More...
Senator Dodd Introduces the DSA of 2008
Dodd/ Collins Amendment Passes
(Washington, DC - March 14, 2008) Autism Speaks sends heartfelt thanks to our many supporters in the Senate for their steadfast support of autism research funding. Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Susan Collins offered an amendment to the FY2009 Budget Resolution to increase funding for autism research, education and early detection by $197 million. Read More...
Doyle/ Smith/ McCarthy Circulate Letter In House Seeking Support for Full Funding of CAA; Lautenberg Circulates Letter in Senate for DoDASDRP Funding
(Washington, DC - March 13, 2008) Representatives Mike Doyle, Chris Smith, and Carolyn McCarthy have recently circulated a letter seeking full funding ($189 million) for the Combating Autism Act (CAA), as well as $15 million for autism research in the House version of the Fiscal 2009 Defense Appropriations bill for the Department of Defense Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Program (DoDASDRP).
Senator Frank Lautenberg has circulated a letter amongst Senate colleagues requesting $15 million for the DoSASDRP.
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