[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 133 (Wednesday, December 6, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H8779-H8788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMBATING AUTISM ACT OF 2006

  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the Senate bill (S. 843) to amend the Public Health Service Act to 
combat autism through research, screening, intervention and education, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

[[Page H8780]]

                                 S. 843

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Combating Autism Act of 
     2006''.

     SEC. 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE; IMPROVING AUTISM-RELATED 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) Centers of Excellence Regarding Research on Autism.--
     Section 409C of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.284g) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``autism'' and 
     inserting ``autism spectrum disorder'';
       (2) by striking the term ``autism'' each place such term 
     appears (other than the section heading) and inserting 
     ``autism spectrum disorder''; and
       (3) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Expansion of activities.--The Director of NIH (in 
     this section referred to as the `Director') shall, subject to 
     the availability of appropriations, expand, intensify, and 
     coordinate the activities of the National Institutes of 
     Health with respect to research on autism spectrum disorder, 
     including basic and clinical research in fields including 
     pathology, developmental neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, 
     pharmacology, nutrition, immunology, neuroimmunology, 
     neurobehavioral development, endocrinology, gastroenterology, 
     and toxicology. Such research shall investigate the cause 
     (including possible environmental causes), diagnosis or rule 
     out, early detection, prevention, services, supports, 
     intervention, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
       ``(2) Consolidation.--The Director may consolidate program 
     activities under this section if such consolidation would 
     improve program efficiencies and outcomes.''.
       (b) Centers of Excellence Generally.--Part A of title IV of 
     the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281 et seq.) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 404H. REVIEW OF CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than April 1, 2008, and 
     periodically thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the 
     Director of NIH, shall conduct a review and submit a report 
     to the appropriate committees of the Congress on the centers 
     of excellence.
       ``(b) Report Contents.--Each report under subsection (a) 
     shall include the following:
       ``(1) Evaluation of the performance and research outcomes 
     of each center of excellence.
       ``(2) Recommendations for promoting coordination of 
     information among centers of excellence.
       ``(3) Recommendations for improving the effectiveness, 
     efficiency, and outcomes of the centers of excellence.
       ``(c) Definition.--In this section, the term `center of 
     excellence' means an entity receiving funding under this 
     title in its capacity as a center of excellence.''.

     SEC. 3. DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SURVEILLANCE AND RESEARCH 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Title III of the Public Health Service Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

                 ``PART R--PROGRAMS RELATING TO AUTISM

     ``SEC. 399AA. DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SURVEILLANCE AND 
                   RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental 
     Disabilities.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
     may award grants or cooperative agreements to eligible 
     entities for the collection, analysis, and reporting of State 
     epidemiological data on autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities. An eligible entity shall assist 
     with the development and coordination of State autism 
     spectrum disorder and other developmental disability 
     surveillance efforts within a region. In making such awards, 
     the Secretary may provide direct technical assistance in lieu 
     of cash.
       ``(2) Data standards.--In submitting epidemiological data 
     to the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1), an eligible 
     entity shall report data according to guidelines prescribed 
     by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, after consultation with relevant State and local 
     public health officials, private sector developmental 
     disability researchers, and advocates for individuals with 
     autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities.
       ``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive an award 
     under paragraph (1), an entity shall be a public or nonprofit 
     private entity (including a health department of a State or a 
     political subdivision of a State, a university, or any other 
     educational institution), and submit to the Secretary an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(b) Centers of Excellence in Autism Spectrum Disorder 
     Epidemiology.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
     shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, award 
     grants or cooperative agreements for the establishment of 
     regional centers of excellence in autism spectrum disorder 
     and other developmental disabilities epidemiology for the 
     purpose of collecting and analyzing information on the 
     number, incidence, correlates, and causes of autism spectrum 
     disorder and other developmental disabilities.
       ``(2) Requirements.--To be eligible to receive a grant or 
     cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), an entity shall 
     submit to the Secretary an application containing such 
     agreements and information as the Secretary may require, 
     including an agreement that the center to be established 
     under the grant or cooperative agreement shall operate in 
     accordance with the following:
       ``(A) The center will collect, analyze, and report autism 
     spectrum disorder and other developmental disability data 
     according to guidelines prescribed by the Director of the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after 
     consultation with relevant State and local public health 
     officials, private sector developmental disability 
     researchers, and advocates for individuals with developmental 
     disabilities.
       ``(B) The center will develop or extend an area of special 
     research expertise (including genetics, epigenetics, and 
     epidemiological research related to environmental exposures), 
     immunology, and other relevant research specialty areas.
       ``(C) The center will identify eligible cases and controls 
     through its surveillance system and conduct research into 
     factors which may cause or increase the risk of autism 
     spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
       ``(c) Federal Response.--The Secretary shall coordinate the 
     Federal response to requests for assistance from State 
     health, mental health, and education department officials 
     regarding potential or alleged autism spectrum disorder or 
     developmental disability clusters.
       ``(d) Definitions.--In this part:
       ``(1) Other developmental disabilities.--The term `other 
     developmental disabilities' has the meaning given the term 
     `developmental disability' in section 102(8) of the 
     Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 
     of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15002(8)).
       ``(2) State.--The term `State' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
     Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Trust Territory 
     of the Pacific Islands.
       ``(e) Sunset.--This section shall not apply after September 
     30, 2011.

     ``SEC. 399BB. AUTISM EDUCATION, EARLY DETECTION, AND 
                   INTERVENTION.

       ``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section--
       ``(1) to increase awareness, reduce barriers to screening 
     and diagnosis, promote evidence-based interventions for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other 
     developmental disabilities, and train professionals to 
     utilize valid and reliable screening tools to diagnose or 
     rule out and provide evidence-based interventions for 
     children with autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities; and
       ``(2) to conduct activities under this section with a focus 
     on an interdisciplinary approach (as defined in programs 
     developed under section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act) 
     that will also focus on specific issues for children who are 
     not receiving an early diagnosis and subsequent 
     interventions.
       ``(b) In General.--The Secretary shall, subject to the 
     availability of appropriations, establish and evaluate 
     activities to--
       ``(1) provide information and education on autism spectrum 
     disorder and other developmental disabilities to increase 
     public awareness of developmental milestones;
       ``(2) promote research into the development and validation 
     of reliable screening tools for autism spectrum disorder and 
     other developmental disabilities and disseminate information 
     regarding those screening tools;
       ``(3) promote early screening of individuals at higher risk 
     for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental 
     disabilities as early as practicable, given evidence-based 
     screening techniques and interventions;
       ``(4) increase the number of individuals who are able to 
     confirm or rule out a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder 
     and other developmental disabilities;
       ``(5) increase the number of individuals able to provide 
     evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with 
     autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities; 
     and
       ``(6) promote the use of evidence-based interventions for 
     individuals at higher risk for autism spectrum disorder and 
     other developmental disabilities as early as practicable.
       ``(c) Information and Education.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (b)(1), the 
     Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Education 
     and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall, subject to the 
     availability of appropriations, provide culturally competent 
     information regarding autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities, risk factors, characteristics, 
     identification, diagnosis or rule out, and evidence-based 
     interventions to meet the needs of individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities and 
     their families through--
       ``(A) Federal programs, including--
       ``(i) the Head Start program;
       ``(ii) the Early Start program;
       ``(iii) the Healthy Start program;
       ``(iv) programs under the Child Care and Development Block 
     Grant Act of 1990;
       ``(v) programs under title XIX of the Social Security Act 
     (particularly the Medicaid

[[Page H8781]]

     Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment 
     Program);
       ``(vi) the program under title XXI of the Social Security 
     Act (the State Children's Health Insurance Program);
       ``(vii) the program under title V of the Social Security 
     Act (the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program);
       ``(viii) the program under parts B and C of the Individuals 
     with Disabilities Education Act;
       ``(ix) the special supplemental nutrition program for 
     women, infants, and children established under section 17 of 
     the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786); and
       ``(x) the State grant program under the Rehabilitation Act 
     of 1973.
       ``(B) State licensed child care facilities; and
       ``(C) other community-based organizations or points of 
     entry for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities to receive services.
       ``(2) Lead agency.--
       ``(A) Designation.--As a condition on the provision of 
     assistance or the conduct of activities under this section 
     with respect to a State, the Secretary may require the 
     Governor of the State--
       ``(i) to designate a public agency as a lead agency to 
     coordinate the activities provided for under paragraph (1) in 
     the State at the State level; and
       ``(ii) acting through such lead agency, to make available 
     to individuals and their family members, guardians, 
     advocates, or authorized representatives; providers; and 
     other appropriate individuals in the State, comprehensive 
     culturally competent information about State and local 
     resources regarding autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities, risk factors, characteristics, 
     identification, diagnosis or rule out, available services and 
     supports, and evidence-based interventions.
       ``(B) Requirements of agency.--In designating the lead 
     agency under subparagraph (A)(i), the Governor shall--
       ``(i) select an agency that has demonstrated experience and 
     expertise in--

       ``(I) autism spectrum disorder and other developmental 
     disability issues; and
       ``(II) developing, implementing, conducting, and 
     administering programs and delivering education, information, 
     and referral services (including technology-based curriculum-
     development services) to individuals with developmental 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates 
     or authorized representatives, providers, and other 
     appropriate individuals locally and across the State; and

       ``(ii) consider input from individuals with developmental 
     disabilities and their family members, guardians, advocates 
     or authorized representatives, providers, and other 
     appropriate individuals.
       ``(C) Information.--Information under subparagraph (A)(ii) 
     shall be provided through--
       ``(i) toll-free telephone numbers;
       ``(ii) Internet websites;
       ``(iii) mailings; or
       ``(iv) such other means as the Governor may require.
       ``(d) Tools.--
       ``(1) In general.--To promote the use of valid and reliable 
     screening tools for autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities, the Secretary shall develop a 
     curriculum for continuing education to assist individuals in 
     recognizing the need for valid and reliable screening tools 
     and the use of such tools.
       ``(2) Collection, storage, coordination, and 
     availability.--The Secretary, in collaboration with the 
     Secretary of Education, shall provide for the collection, 
     storage, coordination, and public availability of tools 
     described in paragraph (1), educational materials and other 
     products that are used by the Federal programs referred to in 
     subsection (c)(1)(A), as well as--
       ``(A) programs authorized under the Developmental 
     Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000;
       ``(B) early intervention programs or interagency 
     coordinating councils authorized under part C of the 
     Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and
       ``(C) children with special health care needs programs 
     authorized under title V of the Social Security Act.
       ``(3) Required sharing.--In establishing mechanisms and 
     entities under this subsection, the Secretary, and the 
     Secretary of Education, shall ensure the sharing of tools, 
     materials, and products developed under this subsection among 
     entities receiving funding under this section.
       ``(e) Diagnosis.--
       ``(1) Training.--The Secretary, in coordination with 
     activities conducted under title V of the Social Security 
     Act, shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, 
     expand existing interdisciplinary training opportunities or 
     opportunities to increase the number of sites able to 
     diagnose or rule out individuals with autism spectrum 
     disorder or other developmental disabilities and ensure 
     that--
       ``(A) competitive grants or cooperative agreements are 
     awarded to public or nonprofit agencies, including 
     institutions of higher education, to expand existing or 
     develop new maternal and child health interdisciplinary 
     leadership education in neurodevelopmental and related 
     disabilities programs (similar to the programs developed 
     under section 501(a)(2) of the Social Security Act) in States 
     that do not have such a program;
       ``(B) trainees under such training programs--
       ``(i) receive an appropriate balance of academic, clinical, 
     and community opportunities;
       ``(ii) are culturally competent;
       ``(iii) are ethnically diverse;
       ``(iv) demonstrate a capacity to evaluate, diagnose or rule 
     out, develop, and provide evidence-based interventions to 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities; and
       ``(v) demonstrate an ability to use a family-centered 
     approach; and
       ``(C) program sites provide culturally competent services.
       ``(2) Technical assistance.--The Secretary may award one or 
     more grants under this section to provide technical 
     assistance to the network of interdisciplinary training 
     programs.
       ``(3) Best practices.--The Secretary shall promote research 
     into additional valid and reliable tools for shortening the 
     time required to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of autism 
     spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities and 
     detecting individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other 
     developmental disabilities at an earlier age.
       ``(f) Intervention.--The Secretary shall promote research, 
     through grants or contracts, to determine the evidence-based 
     practices for interventions for individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities, 
     develop guidelines for those interventions, and disseminate 
     information related to such research and guidelines.
       ``(g) Sunset.--This section shall not apply after September 
     30, 2011.

     ``SEC. 399CC. INTERAGENCY AUTISM COORDINATING COMMITTEE.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     committee, to be known as the `Interagency Autism 
     Coordinating Committee' (in this section referred to as the 
     `Committee'), to coordinate all efforts within the Department 
     of Health and Human Services concerning autism spectrum 
     disorder.
       ``(b) Responsibilities.--In carrying out its duties under 
     this section, the Committee shall--
       ``(1) develop and annually update a summary of advances in 
     autism spectrum disorder research related to causes, 
     prevention, treatment, early screening, diagnosis or rule 
     out, intervention, and access to services and supports for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder;
       ``(2) monitor Federal activities with respect to autism 
     spectrum disorder;
       ``(3) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding any 
     appropriate changes to such activities, including 
     recommendations to the Director of NIH with respect to the 
     strategic plan developed under paragraph (5);
       ``(4) make recommendations to the Secretary regarding 
     public participation in decisions relating to autism spectrum 
     disorder;
       ``(5) develop and annually update a strategic plan for the 
     conduct of, and support for, autism spectrum disorder 
     research, including proposed budgetary requirements; and
       ``(6) submit to the Congress such strategic plan and any 
     updates to such plan.
       ``(c) Membership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of--
       ``(A) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention;
       ``(B) the Director of the National Institutes of Health, 
     and the Directors of such national research institutes of the 
     National Institutes of Health as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate;
       ``(C) the heads of such other agencies as the Secretary 
     determines appropriate;
       ``(D) representatives of other Federal Governmental 
     agencies that serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder 
     such as the Department of Education; and
       ``(E) the additional members appointed under paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Additional members.--Not fewer than 6 members of the 
     Committee, or 1/3 of the total membership of the Committee, 
     whichever is greater, shall be composed of non-Federal public 
     members to be appointed by the Secretary, of which--
       ``(A) at least one such member shall be an individual with 
     a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder;
       ``(B) at least one such member shall be a parent or legal 
     guardian of an individual with an autism spectrum disorder; 
     and
       ``(C) at least one such member shall be a representative of 
     leading research, advocacy, and service organizations for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
       ``(d) Administrative Support; Terms of Service; Other 
     Provisions.--The following provisions shall apply with 
     respect to the Committee:
       ``(1) The Committee shall receive necessary and appropriate 
     administrative support from the Secretary.
       ``(2) Members of the Committee appointed under subsection 
     (c)(2) shall serve for a term of 4 years, and may be 
     reappointed for one or more additional 4 year term. Any 
     member appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term 
     shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. A member 
     may serve after the expiration of the member's term until a 
     successor has taken office.
       ``(3) The Committee shall meet at the call of the 
     chairperson or upon the request of the Secretary. The 
     Committee shall meet not fewer than 2 times each year.
       ``(4) All meetings of the Committee shall be public and 
     shall include appropriate time

[[Page H8782]]

     periods for questions and presentations by the public.
       ``(e) Subcommittees; Establishment and Membership.--In 
     carrying out its functions, the Committee may establish 
     subcommittees and convene workshops and conferences. Such 
     subcommittees shall be composed of Committee members and may 
     hold such meetings as are necessary to enable the 
     subcommittees to carry out their duties.
       ``(f) Sunset.--This section shall not apply after September 
     30, 2011, and the Committee shall be terminated on such date.

     ``SEC. 399DD. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Combating Autism Act of 2006, the Secretary, 
     in coordination with the Secretary of Education, shall 
     prepare and submit to the Health, Education, Labor, and 
     Pensions Committee of the Senate and the Energy and Commerce 
     Committee of the House of Representatives a progress report 
     on activities related to autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities.
       ``(b) Contents.--The report submitted under subsection (a) 
     shall contain--
       ``(1) a description of the progress made in implementing 
     the provisions of the Combating Autism Act of 2006;
       ``(2) a description of the amounts expended on the 
     implementation of the particular provisions of Combating 
     Autism Act of 2006;
       ``(3) information on the incidence of autism spectrum 
     disorder and trend data of such incidence since the date of 
     enactment of the Combating Autism Act of 2006;
       ``(4) information on the average age of diagnosis for 
     children with autism spectrum disorder and other 
     disabilities, including how that age may have changed over 
     the 4-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this 
     Act;
       ``(5) information on the average age for intervention for 
     individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities, including how that age may have 
     changed over the 4-year period beginning on the date of 
     enactment of this Act;
       ``(6) information on the average time between initial 
     screening and then diagnosis or rule out for individuals with 
     autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities, 
     as well as information on the average time between diagnosis 
     and evidence-based intervention for individuals with autism 
     spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities;
       ``(7) information on the effectiveness and outcomes of 
     interventions for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum 
     disorder, including by various subtypes, and other 
     developmental disabilities and how the age of the child may 
     affect such effectiveness;
       ``(8) information on the effectiveness and outcomes of 
     innovative and newly developed intervention strategies for 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other 
     developmental disabilities; and
       ``(9) information on services and supports provided to 
     individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other 
     developmental disabilities who have reached the age of 
     majority (as defined for purposes of section 615(m) of the 
     Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 
     1415(m)).''.
       (b) Repeals.--The following sections of the Children's 
     Health Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-310) are repealed:
       (1) Section 102 (42 U.S.C. 247b-4b), relating to the 
     Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program.
       (2) Section 103 (42 U.S.C. 247b-4c), relating to 
     information and education.
       (3) Section 104 (42 U.S.C. 247b-4d), relating to the Inter-
     Agency Autism Coordinating Committee.
       (4) Section 105 (42 U.S.C. 247b-4e), relating to reports.

     SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Part R of title III of the Public Health 
     Service Act, as added by section 3, is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``SEC. 399EE. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research 
     Program.--To carry out section 399AA, there are authorized to 
     be appropriated the following:
       ``(1) For fiscal year 2007, $15,000,000.
       ``(2) For fiscal year 2008, $16,500,000.
       ``(3) For fiscal year 2009, $18,000,000.
       ``(4) or fiscal year 2010, $19,500,000.
       ``(5) For fiscal year 2011, $21,000,000.
       ``(b) Autism Education, Early Detection, and 
     Intervention.--To carry out section 399BB, there are 
     authorized to be appropriated the following:
       ``(1) For fiscal year 2007, $32,000,000.
       ``(2) For fiscal year 2008, $37,000,000.
       ``(3) For fiscal year 2009, $42,000,000.
       ``(4) For fiscal year 2010, $47,000,000.
       ``(5) For fiscal year 2011, $52,000,000.
       ``(c) Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee; Certain 
     Other Programs.--To carry out section 399CC, 409C, and 
     section 404H, there are authorized to be appropriated the 
     following:
       ``(1) For fiscal year 2007, $100,000,000.
       ``(2) For fiscal year 2008, $114,500,000.
       ``(3) For fiscal year 2009, $129,000,000.
       ``(4) For fiscal year 2010, $143,500,000.
       ``(5) For fiscal year 2011, $158,000,000.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 409C of the Public 
     Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g) is amended by striking 
     subsection (e) (relating to funding).

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Deal) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Georgia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to join Chairman Barton in support of S. 843, as 
amended, the Combating Autism Act of 2006. Although many of us would 
like to have done more sooner, the bill represents a positive step 
forward in addressing the serious problem of autism in the United 
States. The legislation focuses on expanding and coordinating autism 
research at the National Institutes of Health, monitoring the disorder 
and educating the public through programs at the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, as well as ensuring that citizens have a voice 
in the Federal Government's response to autism.

                              {time}  1230

  Leo Kanner first described autism in 1943 as a developmental disorder 
characterized by ``extreme autistic loneliness'' and ``an obsessional 
desire for the maintenance of sameness.'' Since the 1940s, we have 
learned much more about autism, including its diagnosis, traits, and 
possible treatments.
  Data from several recent studies show that between two and six out of 
every 1,000 children fall within the definition of what is called 
autism spectrum disorder. That means that of the roughly 4 million 
children born in the United States each year, about 24,000 of these 
children will eventually be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
  Autism affects many aspects of a person's mental development, 
including social skills; speech, language and communication; repetitive 
behaviors and routines; and the other ways that children interact with 
the world. These children also often exhibit emotional problems, 
challenging behaviors, hyperactivity and other difficulties.
  As a child with autism grows into adolescence, some of these 
behaviors are intensified. The teen suffering from autism may also 
suffer from depression related to their inability to interact normally 
with their peers.
  All of these problems exert tremendous pressures on parents and 
siblings, who often must devote round-the-clock attention to a family 
member with autism.
  Although there is no cure for autism, early detection and early 
intervention have shown promise in lessening the impact of the disorder 
and increasing a child's ability to have normal social interaction and 
functioning. Early intervention is a child's best hope for reaching his 
or her full potential.
  Furthermore, research has shown that development disabilities like 
autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months; however, an estimated 50 
percent of children with these disorders remain unidentified until they 
are 5 years old, missing critical opportunities to improve their 
functioning early on. Therefore, it is imperative that both parents and 
doctors caring for children learn the warning signs of autism and are 
familiar with the developmental milestones that each child should 
reach.
  The legislation before us takes several steps to improve upon and 
expand educational and outreach activities that will alert the public 
on the warning signs for autism and the need for early screening and 
intervention. It will also strengthen biomedical research activities 
conducted at the National Institutes of Health looking into the causes, 
pathways and possible cures for autism spectrum disorder.
  Finally, the legislation provides for public participation in 
decisions relating to the Federal response to the autism problem, 
allowing for greater transparency and accountability.
  I am also pleased that many of the major groups and organizations 
representing autistic people and their families have chosen to support 
this important piece of legislation. The Autism Society of America, 
Cure Autism

[[Page H8783]]

Now, Autism Speaks and the Dan Marino Foundation are just a few of the 
many organizations that support the reforms in this bill.
  Finally, I would like to thank the lead House sponsor of the 
Combating Autism Act, Mrs. Bono of California, for her efforts on 
behalf of autistic people and their families.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of S. 843, the Combating Autism Act of 2006.
  Today, many American children suffer from autism spectrum disorders. 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that 
between two in 1,000 to five in 1,000 children are classified as having 
an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Whether this increase is due to a 
true increase in prevalence or whether it is due to changes in 
assessment standards, it is clear that ASDs are the second most common 
serious developmental disability after mental retardation or 
intellectual impairment.
  According to the CDC, autism spectrum disorders are a group of 
developmental disabilities characterized by significant impairments in 
social interaction and communication and the presence of atypical 
behaviors and interests. It is important that we treat common 
developmental disabilities, and especially autism, as conditions of 
urgent public health concern, and the Combating Autism Act of 2006 
certainly moves in that direction.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill would authorize the award of grants and 
contracts to establish centers of excellence on autism spectrum 
disorder and to collect, analyze and report State epidemiological data 
on autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. It 
would also provide culturally competent information on developmental 
disabilities to increase awareness of developmental milestones, promote 
disabilities research, encourage early screening and provide early 
diagnosis and interventions for individuals diagnosed with such 
disabilities.
  A major theme of the bill is coordination and planning. This bill 
would authorize a strategic plan to be developed and implemented to 
guide Federal efforts in autism spectrum disorder research. It would 
also authorize the designation of an interagency autism coordinating 
committee to coordinate HHS efforts concerning autism spectrum 
disorder, make recommendations concerning a strategic plan for autism, 
develop and update advances in research, and make recommendations 
regarding public participation in the various autism programs.
  The Combating Autism Act of 2006 has bipartisan support, and it has 
the support of numerous national, State and local autism-focused 
stakeholder organizations, including Autism Now, Autism Speaks, Cure 
Autism Now and the Autism Society of America.
  The bill before us is an affirmative step toward addressing the 
serious health issue of autism spectrum disorders and toward ensuring 
all children are able to reach their full potential. I urge all of my 
colleagues to join me, along with these stakeholder groups, in 
supporting this potentially life-saving legislation.
  I would also like to thank Representatives Bono and DeGette for all 
their hard work and dedication that they have devoted to this issue.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I insert in the Record at this time 
two letters, one from the chairman of the Education and Workforce 
Committee and the response from the chairman of the Energy and Commerce 
Committee related to jurisdiction on this bill.
         House of Representatives, Committee on Education and the 
           Workforce,
                                 Washington, DC, December 6, 2006.
     Hon. Joe Barton,
     Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to confirm our mutual 
     understanding with respect to the consideration of S. 843, 
     the Combating Autism Act of 2006. As you are aware, `Sec. 
     399BB. Autism Education, Early Detection, And Intervention' 
     requires the Secretary of Education to collaborate with the 
     Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Service in 
     the provision of autism related services through the Head 
     Start Act, the Early Start Act, the Child Care Development 
     Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the 
     Child Nutrition Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. This 
     provision and these acts fall within the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Education and the Workforce.
       Given the importance of moving this bill forward promptly, 
     I do not intend to object to its consideration in the House. 
     However, I do so only with the understanding that this 
     procedure should not be construed to prejudice my Committee's 
     jurisdictional interest and prerogative in S. 843 or any 
     other similar legislation and will not be considered as 
     precedent for consideration of matters of jurisdictional 
     interest to my Committee in the future.
       Finally, I ask that you include a copy of our exchange of 
     letters in the Congressional Record during the consideration 
     of this bill. If you have questions regarding this matter, 
     please do not hesitate to call me. I thank you for your 
     consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                        Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                             Committee on Energy and Commerce,

                                 Washington, DC, December 6, 2006.
     Hon. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon,
     Chairman, Committee on Education and the Workforce,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman McKeon: Thank you for your recent letter 
     regarding the consideration of S. 843, the Combating Autism 
     Act of 2006. I agree that provisions in `Sec. 399BB. Autism 
     Education, Early Detection, And Intervention' fall within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
       I appreciate your willingness to allow this bill to move 
     forward today; and I agree that this procedure in no way 
     diminishes or alters the jurisdictional interest of the 
     Committee on Education and the Workforce. I will include your 
     letter and this response in the Congressional Record during 
     consideration of the bill on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Joe Barton,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Bono), who is the primary sponsor of this legislation.
  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Georgia for yielding me the time to speak on this most important piece 
of legislation. I would also like to commend the members of our 
leadership and thank them for allowing a vote on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Combating Autism 
Act of 2006. This historic and monumental piece of legislation is a 
critical first step towards addressing the unknown causes of autism by 
providing record levels of research funding and support for other 
services.
  Today, one in 166 individuals is diagnosed with autism. This alarming 
statistic proves that autism does not discriminate based on race or 
gender.
  As a longstanding supporter of the autism community, I have had the 
opportunity to speak with many national organizations, individuals and 
families who have been personally impacted by this disease. The 
selfless service that is provided by parents, siblings, extended family 
and other caregivers is unwavering and is unending.
  While we have made significant strides since the identification of 
the disease in 1943, the task that lies before us requires the support 
of all involved parties and I am proud to have witnessed the 
cooperation of many groups that span the autism community. They banded 
together in an unprecedented manner, and their collective voice 
resonated with the Congress.
  On May 18, 2005, it was my privilege to introduce the House version 
of this legislation. More than 240 of my colleagues joined 
Representative DeGette and myself in support of autism research. Today, 
I hope that they will join me in voicing their support of the Combating 
Autism Act of 2006.
  I would like to commend Chairman Joe Barton, who has been a steadfast 
supporter of the autism community, and Senators Rick Santorum and 
Christopher Dodd for their commitment and action to support the autism 
community.
  I would like to give special acknowledgement to former Congressman 
Jim Greenwood of Pennsylvania, who throughout the process has remained 
a tireless champion of this cause.
  I would also like to thank the hardworking members of the House 
Energy and Commerce Committee staff, Randy Pate and Ryan Long; of the 
Senate HELP Committee, Shana Christrup and Erin Bishop; Jennifer Vesey 
of Senator Santorum's office; Jim Fenton of Senator Dodd's staff; and 
Jed Perry of

[[Page H8784]]

Congresswoman DeGette's office for their commitment on this piece of 
legislation.
  Finally, I would like to thank my personal staff, both past and 
present, Katherine Martin and Taryn Nader, for their hard work and 
tireless efforts on the Combating Autism Act of 2006.
  As the 109th Congress comes to a close, we have an opportunity to 
pass this meaningful and life-changing piece of legislation. I will 
proudly cast my vote in support, and I urge my colleagues to do the 
same.
  Again, I thank the chairman.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin).
  (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the Combating Autism 
Act. As a member of the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and 
Education, and as the uncle of a little boy with autism, I am well-
acquainted with the issues faced by families of children with this 
disorder.
  I have been struck by the rapid increase in the number of children 
diagnosed with autism in the last decade, both nationally and in my 
home State of Rhode Island, and while we do not yet know for certain 
what causes autism, we do know that early intervention does make a 
difference in treatment.
  Mr. Speaker, we must commit ourselves to providing parents, 
pediatricians, early childhood educators and all those who have contact 
with very young children the resources and training to identify 
children who need help early enough to begin effective interventions. 
The Combating Autism Act is a tremendous step toward an effective 
national policy of autism research, screening, intervention and 
education.
  Like all children, those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are 
individuals with unique talents and abilities. Across the Nation, 
special education teachers, psychologists and others are working hard 
to bring these gifts and talents to light and help these children 
realize their potential.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support these professionals in their 
noble work, and these families in their time of need, by voting in 
favor of the Combating Autism Act. It is the right thing to do. It's an 
exciting piece of legislation, and I look forward to its passage.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, can I inquire of the remaining time 
on our side?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) has 14 
minutes remaining, and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) has 
15 minutes remaining.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to 
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  (Mr. SMITH of New Jersey asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of S. 843, with the 
amendment, the Combating Autism Act. This bill is great news for the 
1.5 million individuals suffering from autism spectrum disorders and 
their families, the many ASD advocacy groups who have been working hard 
for so long, and also the very many Members of Congress who have 
championed the cause of autism with the goal of providing meaningful 
relief to those autistic individuals and their families.
  I just point out, Mr. Speaker, that from my very first session of 
Congress in 1981, I have been a consistent advocate for individuals who 
have autism, and frankly, it was not until the mid-1990s when some 
caseworker wrote in my own district about a family who had two children 
with autism that I realized that we were not doing enough, that the 
research, the best practices that are so important, the early 
intervention was not happening.
  It was at that time that we formed the Autism Caucus. Mike Doyle, who 
is my friend and colleague on the other side of the aisle, and I formed 
this caucus. We have about 200 members and we have been pushing very 
hard to get money for NIH, as well as for the Centers for Disease 
Control so we get better prevalence data, and also, most importantly, 
how do we deal with this issue and how do we help these individuals.
  Let me point out to my colleagues, when I first got elected, the 
incidence or the common prevalence of autism was thought to be one out 
of every 10,000. Now, because of the work that the CDC has done, we 
know that it is probably around one out of every 166 individuals. We 
have an epidemic on our hands.
  This legislation which reauthorizes Title I of the Children's Health 
Act, and has other very, very important additions to that, I think 
takes us into a new era of helping the individuals who have been 
afflicted by this disability, trying to find out what is the trigger. 
There are many, many ideas out there as to what may be triggering this. 
We need more definitive information about that, and again, I think this 
legislation is good, bipartisan legislation, and it is an example of 
what we can do here when we put our minds together and work across the 
aisle and especially when we work with these many autism advocacy 
groups that have been tremendous in helping to bring this legislation 
to the floor.
  So I urge strong support for it. I thank Chairman Barton for bringing 
it up, even if it is late, but not too late. This legislation will make 
a significant difference in the lives of autistic children, as well as 
in the lives of their families.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 843, with an amendment, 
the Combating Autism Act. This bill is great news for the 1.5 million 
individuals suffering from autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their 
families, the many ASD advocacy groups who have been working hard for 
so long, and also the very many Members of Congress who have championed 
the cause of autism with the goal of providing meaningful relief to 
those autistic individuals and their families.
  From my first session in Congress in 1981, I have been a consistent 
advocate for individuals with developmental disorders, including 
autism. More recently, in 1998, I successfully requested the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct an investigation in 
Brick Township, New Jersey after learning and listening to the 
community's concerns about high numbers of autism cases--a study that 
showed that cases of both classic autism and autism spectrum disorders 
were significantly higher nationwide than expected.
  The Combating Autism Act, that was introduced in the Senate by my 
good friend Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and was unanimously passed by 
the Senate, reauthorizes major components of Title I of the Children's 
Health Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-310), and also adds significant new 
provisions to broaden and strengthen activities related to autism.
  Specifically, within its provisions, this legislation: requires the 
Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, 
intensify, and coordinate ASD-related research and to conduct an NIH-
wide study of research centers of excellence, and reauthorizes 
provisions, which I had authored in the Children's Health Act, to grant 
HHS the authority to award grants for the collection, analysis, and 
reporting of state-level epidemiological data on ASDs and other 
developmental disabilities, as well as the authority to award grants 
for the establishment of regional centers of excellence in autism 
spectrum disorders epidemiology.
  Importantly, the bill directs that NIH-funded research include 
investigation of possible environmental causes of ASDs and that CDC-
funded epidemiological centers develop expertise in specialty areas, 
including environmental exposures. I applaud this recognition of the 
need to pursue research into environmental factors and epigenetics to 
further advance and clarify the science. While not specifically 
addressed in this bill and although some are fearful to even mention 
the issue, I believe that we do not yet have the answers we need 
regarding the biological effects of thimerosal, and I am hopeful that 
research on environmental factors will include further study to find 
those important answers.
  The bill does much more, such as, facilitates the creation of state-
level agencies to serve as clearinghouses for public information; 
reauthorizes the proven successful Interagency Autism Coordinating 
Committee; and also includes a very robust section ``Autism Education, 
Early Detection, and Intervention,'' to improve the early screening, 
diagnosis, interventions, and treatments for ASDs.
  As many as 1.5 million Americans today have some form of autism and 
the number is on the rise. Each and every day across America, 66 
children are diagnosed with autism and as many as 1 in 166 children 
born today will eventually be diagnosed with autism. Just 10 years ago, 
the estimate was 1 in 500.
  A complex neurobiological disorder that generally appears in the 
first 3 years of life,

[[Page H8785]]

autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and to relate to 
others; the condition is often associated with rigid routines or 
repetitive behaviors. About 40 percent of children with autism do not 
talk, and others only repeat what is said to them. Children with autism 
may experience a range of medical problems which can be very 
debilitating. Because these patients have such extreme communication 
problems, behavioral symptoms such as agitation, sleep difficulties, 
and other behavioral problems may be attributed to the disability 
rather than to the pain and discomfort of a medical condition. 
Adolescents with autism may develop a strong sense of isolation, 
socially and emotionally, and show signs of depression or increased 
challenging behaviors.
  Autism generally is a life-long disability; it also is a spectrum 
disorder that affects each individual differently and at varying 
degrees. Autism can overwhelm families, as their lives become consumed 
with the considerable challenges of identifying appropriate biomedical 
and psychosocial treatments, schooling and other needed support systems 
for their autistic child and eventually for an autistic adult.
  Our Nation is in the midst of an autism crisis that becomes more 
severe each passing month, a crisis that costs our nation tens of 
billions of dollars annually in medical care, behavioral therapy, 
special child care, and a range of child and adult services needed to 
care for these individuals. While we have significantly increased our 
government's commitment to surveillance and biomedical research in the 
last decade in an effort to find a cause or cure, it is incumbent upon 
us to act now to reauthorize, intensify, and expand those and other 
efforts to identify individuals with autism and to provide them with 
more effective care and treatments.
  Thanks to the incredible work of Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman 
Joe Barton and his staff in finalizing this bill and getting it here 
today to the floor of the House of Representatives, we have a 
tremendous opportunity to join together in carrying it over the finish 
line. I strongly encourage everyone of my colleagues to vote for this 
bill.
  Perhaps the greatest thanks should go to the very many individuals 
and organizations in the ASD community who coalesced and advocated so 
effectively for this bill. Some, but certainly not all, of those 
organizations are: Autism One, Autism Society of America, Autism 
Speaks, Cure Autism Now, Dan Marino Foundation, First Signs, 
Organization for Autism Research, Southwest Autism Research & Resource 
Center, TalkAutism, Unlocking Autism, and the US Autism and Asperger 
Association. I know that there are numerous other organizations and 
individuals who also deserve thanks and recognition.
  I know that all of us here share the commitment to dramatically 
improve the lives for the well over a million American children and 
adults who have an autism spectrum disorder and improve the outlook for 
their families and other loved ones. I humbly encourage you not to let 
this opportunity pass without casting your vote in support of this much 
needed and much desired legislation.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from New Jersey for yielding.
  I rise in strong support of S. 843, the Combating Autism Act of 2006. 
I also take this opportunity to commend and congratulate Mr. Tim Muri, 
president and CEO of Easter Seals of Chicago, as well as the University 
of Illinois Medical Center, and all of those who support this venture 
which I am about to mention.
  On October 30, 2006, Easter Seals, with the support of many in the 
Chicagoland area, broke ground for a brand new therapeutic school and 
center for autism research in the Illinois Medical Center District. 
This bill, S. 843, will greatly enhance the work of this school and 
other entities across the country.
  So I simply support not only the development of this brand new school 
but certainly the legislation which is going to enhance the work of 
those combating autism across the country.
  I thank the gentleman again for yielding.

                              {time}  1245

  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to 
the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Pickering).
  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support of this 
legislation. I want to thank you and your leadership; I want to thank 
Congressman Pallone, Congresswomen DeGette and Bono, all of the 
coalitions that have been great advocates for helping increase the 
research, the funding, the exploration, and the discovery of what we 
know today about autism. I want to thank my friend Rick Santorum and 
commend him for his dogged support and championing of this effort. And, 
I want to talk a little bit about today what we know about autism, how 
pervasive it is, how many children it affects, and what it means for us 
as a Nation and for our families.
  One in 166 children is diagnosed with autism. For boys, and I am the 
father of five sons, one in 104 boys is on the autism spectrum; 67 
children per day are diagnosed. A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 
minutes. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than 
with AIDS, diabetes, or cancer combined. It is the fastest growing 
serious developmental disability in the U.S. and it costs our Nation 
over $90 billion per year and it is a figure expected to double over 
the next decade. Yet, autism receives less than 5 percent of the 
research funding available when it is one of the most prevalent 
diseases spreading across our country.
  But the good news is we are learning, we are discovering, we are 
understanding much better today. We are much better able to detect, 
understand, identify. It is much more possible to have early 
intervention and the therapies and the types of treatments that help 
young children maximize the gifts and the talents that they have.
  I want to say as someone who has met with many of the families, and 
all of our families have children that have been affected by this, I 
want to say it is not only a disability but it is also a gift. And it 
really is. For those of us who know and who have personal involvement, 
there are special angels among us with great tremendous gifts that come 
from autism. And what we want to do, what I want to do is to make sure 
that these gifts, these abilities that are special, unique, distinct, 
wonderful opportunities, to really maximize the things that children 
with autism can bring to all of us. And with this legislation today, I 
believe that we will maximize the understanding, we will maximize the 
gifts of our children who have autism, and we will make sure that their 
gifts are shared with the rest of the Nation and their contributions in 
science and math and reading and all the different areas where they may 
have gifts but also great struggles, that we can overcome those, that 
we can meet this challenge, and that the understanding of this disease 
and the treatments that are made available because of this legislation 
will make a difference in the lives of countless families and countless 
children. So I rise today in proud support.
  I want to thank all of those who made it possible and the Members who 
have worked. Chris Smith and the Autism Caucus deserve special praise 
for raising the awareness and building the coalitions within Congress 
and organizing the outside groups to make this day possible. I am proud 
that before we leave this Congress, we do not leave this job undone. 
And I thank Chairman Deal for all of his hard work in making this 
possible, and Chairman Barton, the ranking members, and all those who 
worked, especially our staff. May God bless this effort, and thank you 
very much.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would again urge that we pass this very 
important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, as we close, I would simply 
reiterate what some others have said, thanking all of those within the 
Congress itself who have brought this bill to this point and hopefully 
to a finalization and sent to the President.
  Autism is an affliction on our children, and there are many answers 
that people want and this will help us try to find those answers. But 
this is not the end of the journey. Those who are committed to this 
cause will continue their efforts here in the halls of Congress, 
hopefully in the research halls throughout our country. This is a 
worthwhile step in the very proper direction, and I would urge my 
colleagues to adopt this resolution.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
Combating Autism Act of 2006--S. 843--as amended. I want to thank 
Chairman Nathan Deal and Chairman Joe Barton, and the Energy and 
Commerce Committee staff, for bringing this bill to the floor today.
  Over the last 5 years or more, many of you have heard me speak many 
times on this floor

[[Page H8786]]

about the subject of autism and you will likely continue to hear me 
speak on this issue because I believe we truly have our work cut out 
for us. About 20 years ago, autism was considered a rare disease, 
affecting about 1 in 10,000 children. Now, that rate is about 1 in 166; 
making autism the third most common developmental disability that 
children face, even more prevalent than things such as Down's syndrome 
and other childhood cancers. In my own home State of Indiana we 
experienced a 923 percent cumulative growth rate for autism from 1992 
to 2003. The annual growth rate of autism in Indiana averaged 27 
percent compared to an average of 7 percent for the growth rate of all 
disabilities.
  This literal epidemic of autism is a looming and immediate economic 
crisis to our education system, our health care systems, our long-term 
housing and care system for the disabled, and most especially, to an 
ever-increasing number of families across the country. Autism is a 
condition that has no known cure, which means that this is a crisis 
that is simply not going to ``go away.''
  Today we take a huge step forward in terms of dealing with this 
problem. Although in my opinion, only a down payment on the resources 
that we must invest in order to defeat this terrible scourge, the 
Combating Autism Act, commits nearly $1 billion--in essence almost a 
doubling of funding for autism--to autism research, including essential 
research on environmental factors, treatments, early identification and 
support services. This bill amounts to a long overdue and vitally 
needed declaration of war by the Congress of the United States on 
autism.
  Even so, while a needed step forward, this is not a perfect bill, 
because I believe we are missing a crucial opportunity to use this bill 
to help unravel the mystery of autism. Specifically, while the bill 
before us does include language on the need to research the 
environmental factors which may contribute to autism, it does not 
include a specific mandate that environmental research topics must 
include vaccines, other biologics, and their preservatives. Now I am 
not against vaccinations, but I do believe, as do many of my 
colleagues, that there is a strong link between the mercury contained 
in a product called thimerosal--commonly used as a vaccine 
preservative--and children developing neurological disorders such as 
autism. In fact, my own grandson became autistic after receiving nine 
shots in 1 day, seven of which contained thimerosal.
  Because of what happened to my grandson, I took it upon myself to 
learn about autism and what I discovered during my research was deeply 
disturbing. During my tenure as chairman of the Government Reform 
Committee, 1997-2002, and as chairman of the Subcommittee on Human 
Rights and Wellness, 2003-2005, a number of very credible national and 
international scientists testified at a series of hearings that the 
mercury in vaccines is a contributing factor to developing neurological 
disorders, including, but not limited to, modest declines in 
intelligence quotient, IQ, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. And the 
body of evidence to support that conclusion gets larger every day.
  Yet we continue to hear repeatedly in congressional hearings, in 
media communications, and through government and scientific reports 
that ``there is no evidence that proves a connection between vaccines 
and autism.'' This conclusion is not too surprising when you consider 
that our health agencies seem to routinely dismiss out of hand any 
scientific study that does conclude thimerosal is a danger.
  Experience tells us that, as with any other epidemic, while there may 
be underlying genetic susceptibilities, there usually is some type of 
environmental trigger as well, such as a virus, fungus, heavy metals, 
pollutants, or whatever. There has never, to the best of my knowledge, 
been a purely genetic epidemic. So, genetics alone cannot explain how 
we went from 1 in 10,000 children with autism spectrum disorders 20 
years ago to 1 in 166 today. Considering that mercury is a base element 
and the most toxic substance known to science outside of radioactive 
materials, it is biologically plausible that mercury is an 
environmental trigger of autism.
  Recent studies indicate that more than half of pediatricians said 
that in the previous year they had encountered at least one family that 
refused all vaccines, while 85 percent said they'd had a parent turn 
down at least one shot. Whether it's because of fear that mercury used 
as a preservative in childhood vaccines causes autism, or that the 
dangers of immunizations far outweigh their benefits, or that there is 
a conspiracy by drug companies, doctors and vaccine makers to conceal 
the harm, the facts are clear, more and more American families are 
fighting immunization.
  It is imperative that we do all we can to restore the public's trust 
in vaccinations. And the only way we are going to resolve the conflict 
of opinion over thimerosal is through more research. Unfortunately, if 
the Department of Health and Human Services never funds or conducts the 
right studies, and given their current track record on the subject, 
that is very likely what will happen, this question will forever remain 
unanswered. That will be a national tragedy because often once an 
environmental cause is discovered, immediate steps can be taken to 
prevent new cases and abate the epidemic. In addition, knowledge of the 
environmental cause or triggers often leads directly to more effective 
treatments.

  For example, this bill promotes the use of evidence-based 
interventions for those at higher risk for autism. However, so long as 
we ignore the potential danger of mercury, many biomedical 
interventions, such as restricted diet, applied kinesiology and/or 
chelation therapy--which many families have found to be the best 
treatments for their children with autism--will be excluded from the 
list of evidence-based treatments.
  I stand here today not just as a concerned grandfather of an autistic 
child but as the voice for the hundreds of parents and families who 
continue to contact my office looking for help for their children. They 
are our constituents, we represent them in the People's House, and I 
hope we are all listening to them. The debate about mercury in vaccines 
must be addressed, investigated and resolved. Parents have a right to 
know what happened to their children regardless of where the truth 
lies. And we have a responsibility to those children and families 
already suffering. In the meantime, we should err on the side of 
caution and remove thimerosal, even trace amounts, from all 
vaccinations.
  By failing to provide a clear congressional mandate to research all 
of the potential environmental causes of autism spectrum disorders, 
ASD, including vaccines and their preservatives, I believe we are 
handicapping our efforts to give all ASD patients the best possible 
quality of life and the ability to make the greatest possible 
contributions to society. I hope that in the coming weeks, months and 
years this Congress will push for further research into the question of 
thimerosal and autism so that one day we will be able to say that we 
have done everything possible to stop and treat this epidemic. In the 
meantime, I urge my colleagues to support this very good bill.
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 843, the Combating 
Autism Act. As a member of the congressional Coalition on Autism 
Research and Education CARE, as well as a cosponsor of the companion 
bill, H.R. 2421, I strongly support the provisions of the bill. This 
important legislation will improve the lives of those affected by 
expanding and improving detection, care and treatment of autism 
spectrum disorders.
  The establishment of centers of excellence for autism research will 
enable us to conduct cutting edge research and apply it in the most 
effective manner possible to treat our young citizens affected by 
autism in the best way we can.
  I want to give a special thanks to the many parents, siblings, 
families and friends of those with autism, especially my constituents 
in the Second District of Nebraska. Your support of autism issues, and 
specifically this legislation, has been crucial to the advancement of 
this bill. I congratulate you and other advocates for your tireless 
work. I urge my colleagues to support the enactment of S. 843.
  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 
bill, S. 843, as amended, also known as the Combating Autism Act. This 
legislation takes several important steps intended to improve and 
intensify the Federal response to the problem of autism in the United 
States.
  As many of my colleagues are aware, autism is a brain disorder that 
appears in childhood and persists throughout a person's life. Autism 
affects crucial areas of a person's development, including 
communication, social interaction, and creativity. Recent studies 
estimate that autism afflicts more than 3 of every 1,000 children 
between ages 3 and 10. While autism varies widely in its symptoms and 
severity, early diagnosis and treatment can help autistic people to 
live independent and productive lives.
  Today, little is understood about the causes and mechanisms of 
autism. Many studies have been conducted into possible genetic and 
environmental causes of autism, and scientists are learning more about 
this disorder and how its effects can be lessened or eliminated. But 
there is no cure, and much more work needs to be done to pinpoint the 
true causes of autism before we'll know how to cure it.
  This legislation contains provisions designed to intensify and 
coordinate the Federal response to autism. It instructs the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention to expand and update its efforts to 
monitor autism incidence and prevalence around the country. The 
legislation also requires the CDC to educate parents and health care 
providers about the early warning signs of autism as well as the need 
for early and regular screenings.
  Another section of the bill addresses autism research conducted at 
the National Institutes

[[Page H8787]]

of Health. Building on provisions contained in the Children's Health 
Act of 2000, the bill requires the Director of NIH to expand and 
intensify autism-related research, including research into possible 
environmental causes of autism. The expansion and intensification will 
include research to be conducted at the National Institute of Mental 
Health, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and a 
number of other institutes at NIH. The National Institute of 
Environmental Health Sciences already has two centers, one located at 
the University of California at Davis and one at the Robert Wood 
Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, funded to study possible 
environmental causes of autism. In conjunction with the bill's 
authorizations of appropriations, these provisions will ensure the 
continuation and intensification of crucial research at NIEHS so that 
it is able to conduct all necessary research to determine the 
environmental factors in autism.
  With respect to possible environmental or external causes of autism, 
some have suggested a link exists between autism and childhood 
vaccines. In the past several years, several major epidemiological 
studies have been conducted to look into the question of whether 
vaccines cause autism. Examining the published studies, the non-
partisan Institute of Medicine has concluded that the weight of the 
available evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between 
vaccines and autism. However, I recognize that there is much that we do 
not know about the biological pathways and origins of this disorder, 
and that further investigation into all possible causes of autism is 
needed.
  This legislation is not designed to predetermine the outcome of 
scientific research. Rather, the legislation rightfully calls for 
renewed efforts to study all possible causes of autism--including 
vaccines and other environmental causes. Simply put, we should leave no 
stone unturned in our efforts to find a cure, whether it means 
exploring possible environmental factors, paternal age, genetic 
factors, or any other factors that may hold answers. Perhaps further 
inquiry will show that it is not a single factor but a combination of 
two or more factors that cause what we know as autism. For example, a 
child might have a genetic predisposition that is triggered by an 
external, environmental factor that causes autism. The important thing 
to understand is that there are no preconceived notions contained in 
this bill; the bill language is clear that we should follow every 
avenue that science opens to us in searching for a cure.

  During the House consideration of the NIH reauthorization bill, we 
found that the NIH has created centers of excellence to promote 
collaborative research into a particular field. A center of excellence 
is a designated entity, such as a university or a hospital, that 
receives NIH funding to study a particular research area. At their 
best, centers of excellence can foster collaboration and communication 
between scientists in a concentrated research area that can benefit 
from such an environment. However, the proliferation of centers of 
excellence, especially congressionally mandated centers of excellence, 
is a concern because it diverts precious resources away from other 
promising avenues of research that may be worthwhile. If Congress were 
to mandate new centers of excellence without sound scientific 
justification, it could greatly fragment NIH's research budget, 
increase administrative and overhead costs, and slow down important 
medical and scientific breakthroughs. The right funding and the right 
minds will cure autism, but even staggering amounts of money won't do 
the job if our efforts are not focused on the most promising research. 
I think, it is important to let scientists decide how to conduct the 
medical research. They must be held accountable, too, but this is a job 
for science, not politics.
  The amended bill before us today does not create new centers, nor 
does it remove any of the old ones. There were five autism-related 
centers of excellence mandated in the Children's Health Act of 2000. In 
the intervening years, NIH created the five statutorily required 
centers of excellence that study various aspects of autism. NIH then 
went on to create an estimated 21 to 28 centers of excellence dealing 
with various aspects of autism research, including research into 
possible environmental causes. Rather than mandating in statute the 
creation of a specified number of additional centers on top of those 
centers already in existence, this bill lays the groundwork for 
effective congressional oversight of centers of excellence. It requires 
the Director of NIH to submit a report to Congress detailing the 
effectiveness of centers of excellence across the NIH and how they can 
be improved. The bill also gives the Director of NIH the explicit 
authority to consolidate centers of excellence if it would lead to 
improved program efficiencies and outcomes.
  Next, the amended bill expands and reauthorizes an existing 
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, or IACC. The coordinating 
committee will be made up of relevant government officials, experts, 
and parents and families of those suffering from autism. The 
committee's far-reaching mandate will be to compose and annually report 
to Congress on a strategic plan for Federal autism activities and to 
make important recommendations to both Congress and the executive 
branch on ways to better coordinate and conduct Federal autism-related 
activities. Further, this legislation increases the amount of public 
participation on the IACC from two individuals to at least six. In 
addition, the IACC has been tasked with making recommendations to the 
Secretary regarding the public participation in decisions relating to 
autism. For instance, the committee notes that the IACC may recommend 
providing other formal mechanisms, such as an Autism Advisory Board, to 
provide public feedback and interaction. Further, the Secretary may opt 
to provide such a mechanism under existing statutory authority, without 
the recommendation of the IACC. Public participation, especially among 
the parents and families of those affected by autism, is necessary to 
emphasize the human side of autism research and to ensure that Federal 
resources are used wisely.
  This legislation takes several important steps forward in continuing 
the fight against autism, and I support its passage. Should the Senate 
also take up and pass the bipartisan NIH reauthorization bill 
overwhelmingly passed by the House earlier this year, Congress and the 
public will benefit from increased transparency and accountability at 
NIH that will benefit research into all diseases, including autism. I 
urge swift passage of both bills so we can get them to the President's 
desk before the end of this Congress.
  At this time, I'd like to thank the sponsors of both the House and 
Senate bills who have worked tirelessly on this issue as well as the 
members of the autism advocacy community who have contributed 
constructive ideas and insights into this legislation. With that Mr. 
Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 
843, the Combating Autism Act of 2006. This bill would amend the Public 
Health Service Act to combat autism through research, screening, 
intervention and education.
  I have been greatly concerned by the significant increase in autism 
rates in our country. As a member of the House Coalition for Autism 
Research and Education Caucus, I have tried to take an active roll in 
improving the government's response to this epidemic. I am pleased we 
are considering this legislation today.
  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) places a terrible burden on the 
families of those afflicted. Autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 
percent each year, and we must take action before it becomes even more 
of a health crisis. The earlier we identify autism, the more options we 
have to help a child.
  The Combating Autism Act of 2006 would authorize $405 million in 
funding for autism research the National Institutes of Health over five 
years, and would require the director of NIH to develop and implement a 
plan for autism research by April 1, 2008. Passage of S. 843 would give 
$185 million to Autism Centers of Excellence, which provide continued 
support to examine causation, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, 
control, intervention and a cure for autism. The bill would also 
authorize $15 million for fiscal 2007 for the Centers for Disease 
Control and their surveillance and research programs.
  Combating autism is imperative because it affects one in 166 children 
and persists through adulthood. By learning the signs, a child can 
begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention 
programs. We must provide Federal funding to ensure that research, 
education and prevention are possible.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I hope that all Americans can continue to 
unite to form a collective voice for the autism community. I ask that 
my colleagues join me supporting S. 843, the Combating Autism Act of 
2006.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 843, the 
Combating Autism Act of 2006. This bill authorizes funding important 
for the continuation of research of pervasive development disabilities, 
the coordination and dissemination of the research findings from 
institutions throughout the country, and the promotion of early 
screening of pervasive development disabilities among high-risk 
children. This bill goes far towards making the combating of autism a 
national priority. This bill, notably, includes provisions that 
recognize the importance of providing culturally competent information 
to individuals and communities. These provisions are important to 
minority communities.
  Pervasive development disabilities are indiscriminate, afflicting 
children of all socioeconomic backgrounds and all races. My district, 
Guam, alone is home to approximately 110 individuals with autism 
spectrum disorders. According to the Centers for Disease

[[Page H8788]]

Control and Prevention, one out of every 166 children may be affected 
by some form of autism spectrum disorder.
  While there remains varying viewpoints over the causes of autism, 
research has shown that early diagnosis and intervention have been the 
most effective means of addressing pervasive development disabilities. 
The Combating Autism Act's multifaceted approach to this important 
issue allows for the funding of research, public education, and early 
detection efforts. This multi-faceted approach will assist the families 
and children who are afflicted with autism spectrum disorders today, 
while striving to continue the progress toward finding comprehensive 
treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
  I commend my colleagues in the House of Representatives and in the 
Senate for moving this important legislation forward. It is my hope 
that this legislation will ease the emotional and psychological 
pressures experienced by families caring for individuals with autism; 
and that it will eventually bring about greater understanding of and 
improved treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
  I urge my colleagues' support for S. 843.
  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 843, the 
Combating Autism Act of 2006.
  As a long-time supporter and friend of the autism community, I am 
pleased that this bipartisan legislation is before the full House 
today. Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that usually strikes 
sometime within the first two years of a child's life. It can cause 
severe impairment in language, cognition and communication. The 
statistics on autism are staggering. According to the Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 166 children is affected 
by autism. Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental 
disabilities in the United States.
  There has been significant progress in recent years increasing autism 
research dollars at the National Institutes of Health, as well as 
surveillance and public health funding at the CDC. Current research 
indicates that autism has a strong genetic component and may be 
triggered by environmental factors. But much more needs to be done. We 
need to redouble our effort to find a cure and improved intervention 
techniques. That is why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the House 
version of the Combating Autism Act. The legislation before us today 
would authorize increased funding at the NIH for autism research 
programs as well as expand screening, intervention and education 
programs within the Federal Government.
  It is important that we promote funding for autism research in order 
to identify the best methods of early intervention and treatment. That 
is why I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 843, the 
Combating Autism Act, which would authorize nearly $1 billion over the 
next 5 years to combat autism.
  This is an important authorization bill, but one that we must back up 
with funding during the appropriations process.
  Autism is serious and Congress must get serious in addressing it. 
This bill is a first step on that path.
  According to the Department of Education this disease is growing at 
an alarming rate of 10-17 percent each year. Autism afflicts 1 out of 
every 166 births in the country, meaning today, 1.5 million Americans 
are living with this disease, and these numbers are growing 
particularly in places like New York City.
  Autism has been personalized for me through a number of my 
constituents, including one father and his little boy who I have had 
the opportunity to meet with and discuss this illness.
  The boy's father, who I have gotten to know, has helped educate me on 
this issue. It was his discussions with me that helped me become more 
involved in the issue of autism, spurred me to join the Autism Caucus 
here in the House and fight for increased funds both at the Defense 
Department and CDC for more funds for research and care.
  Additionally, the Quality Services for the Autism Community, or QSAC, 
has also continually done outreach and education throughout Queens and 
all of New York City, including hosting an annual Autism Awareness Day. 
This year's event was held on April 9 at Shea Stadium, home of the 
Mets, in my district, and was their fourth consecutive annual event.
  These events and their members bring more attention to a disease that 
affects so many individuals and families and today has helped us craft 
a good bill from their words and experiences.
  This legislation will authorize nearly $1 billion over the next 5 
years to combat autism through research, early intervention, and 
screening, and will translate into a 50 percent increase in funding to 
help eliminate this disease.
  With this bill many families in my own district, Bronx and Queens, 
will be able to rest assured that the U.S. Government has not forgotten 
them and is willing to work to eradicate this problem.
  Scientists are finding preventative measures, and cures for many 
diseases such as cervical cancer. This would not have been possible 
without the funding giving to researchers to find a cure.
  That is why I stand with the autism community not only in my 
district, Bronx and Queens, but all across the Nation in supporting 
this legislation. It is non-controversial, and it makes perfect sense 
to find a cure.
  I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill today so families in the 
future won't have to suffer with autism.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the Senate bill, S. 843, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds of those voting having 
responded in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the Senate 
bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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