[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 186 (Monday, December 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H7161-H7164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AUTISM COLLABORATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND SUPPORT
ACT OF 2024
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in
the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 7213) to amend the Public Health
Service Act to enhance and reauthorize activities and programs relating
to autism spectrum disorder, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the Senate amendment is as follows:
Senate amendment:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Autism Collaboration,
Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of
2024'' or the ``Autism CARES Act of 2024''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES.
(a) Expansion of Activities.--Section 409C(a)(1) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``) shall, subject to the availability''
and inserting the following: ``), in consultation with
relevant Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate,
shall--
``(A) subject to the availability'';
(2) by striking ``basic and clinical research in fields
including pathology'' and inserting the following: ``basic
and clinical research--
``(i) in fields, such as pathology'';
(3) by striking ``toxicology, and interventions'' and
inserting the following: ``toxicology, psychiatry,
psychology, developmental behavioral pediatrics, audiology,
and gerontology; and
``(ii) on interventions'';
(4) by striking ``disorder. Such research shall
investigate'' and inserting the following: ``disorder; and
``(B) ensure that research referred to in subparagraph
(A)--
``(i) investigates'';
(5) by striking ``prevention, services across the lifespan,
supports, intervention, and treatment of autism spectrum
disorder'' and inserting ``prevention, services and supports
across the lifespan, intervention, and treatment of autism
spectrum disorder and co-occurring conditions''; and
(6) by striking ``treatments.'' and inserting the
following: ``treatments;
``(ii) examines supports for caregivers; and
``(iii) reflects the entire population of individuals with
autism spectrum disorder, including those individuals with
co-occurring conditions and the full range of needs for
supports and services, including such supports and services
to ensure the safety, and promote the well-being, of such
individuals.''.
(b) Centers of Excellence.--Section 409C(b) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``including the fields of'' and inserting
``in fields such as''; and
(B) by striking ``behavioral psychology, and clinical
psychology'' and inserting ``behavioral psychology, clinical
psychology, and gerontology'';
(2) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``five'' and inserting
``seven''; and
(3) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``period of not to
exceed'' and inserting ``period not to exceed''.
(c) Public Input.--Section 409C(d) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Public Input.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall under subsection
(a)(1) provide for means through which the public can obtain
information on the existing and planned programs and
activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect
to autism spectrum disorder and through which the Director
can receive comments from the public regarding such programs
and activities.
``(2) Guidance.--The Director may provide guidance to
centers under subsection (b)(1) on strategies, activities,
and opportunities to promote engagement with, and solicit
input from, individuals with autism spectrum disorder and
their family members, guardians, advocates or authorized
representatives, providers, or other appropriate individuals
to inform the activities of the center. Such strategies,
activities, and opportunities should consider including, as
appropriate, individuals, family members, and caregivers of
individuals with autism spectrum disorder who represent the
entire population of individuals with autism spectrum
disorder, including those individuals with co-occurring
conditions and the full range of needs for supports and
services, including such supports and services to ensure the
safety, and promote the well-being, of such individuals, to
inform the activities of the center.''.
(d) Budget Estimate.--Section 409C of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284g) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(e) Budget Estimate.--For each of fiscal years 2026
through 2029, the Director shall prepare and submit, directly
to the President for review and transmittal to Congress, an
annual budget estimate for the initiatives of the National
Institutes of Health pursuant to the strategic plan developed
under section 399CC(b)(5) and updated under section
399CC(b)(6)(B), after reasonable opportunity for comment (but
without change) by the Secretary and the Interagency Autism
Coordinating Committee established under section 399CC.''.
SEC. 3. PROGRAMS RELATING TO AUTISM.
(a) Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research
Program.--Section 399AA of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 280i) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``an Indian tribe, or
a tribal organization'' and inserting ``an Indian Tribe, or a
Tribal organization'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``across the
lifespan'' before the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``tribe; tribal''
and inserting ``Tribe; tribal'';
(B) by striking ``tribe'' and inserting ``Tribe''; and
(C) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting ``Tribal''; and
[[Page H7162]]
(4) in subsection (e), by striking ``December 20, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2029''.
(b) Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention.--
Section 399BB of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280i-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``culturally
competent information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically appropriate information'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``promote research'' and inserting
``promote research, which may include research that takes a
community-based approach,''; and
(B) by striking ``screening tools'' each place it appears
and inserting ``screening and diagnostic tools'';
(3) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``at higher risk''
and inserting ``at increased likelihood'';
(4) in subsection (b)(4), by inserting ``, which may give
consideration to the perspectives of parents and guardians''
before the semicolon at the end;
(5) in subsection (b)(7), by striking ``at higher risk''
and inserting ``at increased likelihood'';
(6) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``culturally
competent information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically appropriate information'';
(7) in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii), by striking ``culturally
competent information'' and inserting ``culturally and
linguistically appropriate information'';
(8) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (e) to read as
follows:
(9) in subsection (e)(1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``, and strengthen the capacity of,'' after ``expand''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``expand existing or develop new'' and
inserting ``expand and strengthen the capacity of existing,
or, in States that do not have such a program, develop
new,''; and
(ii) by striking ``Act) in States that do not have such a
program'' and inserting ``Act)'';
(C) in subparagraph (B)(v), by inserting ``or other
providers, as applicable'' before the semicolon at the end;
and
(D) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) program sites--
``(i) provide culturally and linguistically appropriate
services;
``(ii) take a multidisciplinary approach and have
experience working with underserved populations; and
``(iii) identify opportunities to partner with community-
based organizations to expand the capacity of communities to
serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other
developmental disabilities.'';
(10) in subsection (e)(2), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of the Autism CARES Act of 2024, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that
examines the need for, and feasibility of, expanding the
developmental-behavioral pediatrician training programs
described in subparagraph (A).'';
(11) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Intervention.--The Secretary shall promote research
through grants or contracts, which may include grants or
contracts to research centers or networks, to--
``(1) develop and evaluate evidence-based practices and
interventions to improve outcomes for individuals with autism
spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities by
addressing physical and behavioral health and communication
needs of such individuals across the lifespan;
``(2) develop guidelines for such evidence-based practices
and interventions; and
``(3) disseminate information related to such evidence-
based practices and interventions and guidelines.''; and
(12) in subsection (g), by striking ``December 20, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2029''.
(c) Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee.--Section
399CC of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-2) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
on a regular basis'' after ``shall'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``develop a summary'' and
inserting ``summarize''; and
(C) by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting the
following:
``(5) develop a strategic plan for the conduct of, and
support for, autism spectrum disorder research, as described
in section 409C(a)(1), which shall include--
``(A) proposed budgetary requirements; and
``(B) recommendations to ensure that autism spectrum
disorder research, and services and support activities to the
extent practicable, of the Department of Health and Human
Services and of other Federal departments and agencies are
not unnecessarily duplicative; and
``(6) submit to the Congress and the President--
``(A) an annual update on the summary of advances described
in paragraph (2); and
``(B) a biennial update on the strategic plan described in
paragraph (5), including progress made in achieving the goals
outlined in such strategic plan and any specific measures
taken pursuant to such strategic plan.''; and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``December 20, 2024''
and inserting ``September 30, 2029''.
(d) Reports to Congress.--Section 399DD of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-3) is amended--
(1) by striking ``2019'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2024''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:
``(1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after September
30, 2024, the Secretary, in consultation with other relevant
Federal departments and agencies, shall prepare and submit to
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives, and make publicly available,
including through posting on the website of the Department of
Health and Human Services, a progress report on activities
related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental
disabilities. Such report shall include activities and
research related to the entire population of individuals with
autism spectrum disorder, including those individuals with
co-occurring conditions and the full range of needs for
supports and services, including such supports and services
to ensure the safety, and promote the well-being, of such
individuals.'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the heading of subsection (b), by striking ``Health
and Well-Being'' and inserting ``Mental Health Needs'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``health and well-being''
and inserting ``mental health needs''; and
(C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall contain--
``(A) an overview of policies and programs relevant to the
mental health of individuals with autism spectrum disorder
across their lifespan, including an identification of
existing Federal laws, regulations, policies, research, and
programs; and
``(B) recommendations to improve mental health outcomes and
address related disparities in mental health care for
individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including
prevention, care coordination, and community-based
services.'';
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Update on Young Adults and Youth Transitioning to
Adulthood.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Autism CARES Act of 2024, the Secretary, in
coordination with other relevant Federal departments and
agencies, as appropriate, shall prepare and submit to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate an update to the report
required pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, as added
by section 6 of the Autism Cares Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-
157), and in effect before the date of enactment of the
Autism CARES Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-60), concerning
young adults with autism spectrum disorder and the challenges
related to the transition from existing school-based services
to those services available during adulthood.''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 399EE of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280i-4) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``$23,100,000 for each
of fiscal years 2020 through 2024'' and inserting
``$28,100,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``$50,599,000 for each
of fiscal years 2020 through 2024'' and inserting
``$56,344,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029'';
and
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``there are authorized
to be appropriated $296,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020
through 2024'' and inserting ``there is authorized to be
appropriated $306,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025
through 2029''.
SEC. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO
COMMUNICATION TOOLS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') may, at
the request of a State, Indian Tribe, Tribal organization,
locality, or territory, provide training and technical
assistance to such jurisdiction on the manner in which
Federal funding administered by the Secretary may be used to
provide individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other
developmental disabilities with access to evidence-based
services, tools, and technologies that support communication
needs.
(b) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall annually prepare
and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and
Commerce of the House of Representatives a report summarizing
any technical assistance provided by the Secretary in the
preceding fiscal year under subsection (a) and any
advancements in the development or evaluation of such
evidence-based services, tools, and technologies.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Bucshon) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.
General Leave
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Indiana?
There was no objection.
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7213,
the Autism Collaboration, Accountability,
[[Page H7163]]
Research, Education, and Support Act, or the Autism CARES Act of 2024,
led by Representative Chris Smith.
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States,
with recent studies showing an increasing prevalence nationwide. The
Autism CARES Act of 2024 will reauthorize critical programs and
activities that support autism research, services, training, and
monitoring across the Federal Government.
Importantly, it also takes steps to ensure the public and all
individuals within the autism community have an opportunity to engage
in and are included in the research process and other activities
related to autism spectrum disorder.
I thank Congressman Smith for his leadership on this and for his
decades-long advocacy on behalf of those with autism.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill,
which makes minor updates to the previous version we passed in
September with over 400 votes. I encourage my colleagues to support
this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the Senate amendment to
H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored
by Representatives Smith and Cuellar, will reauthorize funding for a
variety of programs that support autism education, research, and
resources.
Mr. Speaker, in the United States, about 1 in 36 children have been
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence of autism in
children has been increasing every 2 years.
With these worrisome statistics in mind, it is important that we
reauthorize the critical research and funding for the Autism CARES Act
in order to continue this collaborative nationwide program.
In 2006, the original Autism CARES Act, which was then known as the
Combating Autism Act, was signed into law. This law built a public
health infrastructure that addresses autism on the Federal level
directed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
From that point forward, over $5 billion has been invested in
addressing autism through various programs related to autism research,
autism support services, early detection training for medical
providers, and autism education.
With this legislation, we renew and expand support for Federal autism
programs, underscoring our commitment to addressing the growing needs
of individuals with autism and their families. The legislation
authorizes funding over the next 5 years for key programs under the
Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.
The legislation addresses challenges related to autism and aging,
inclusivity in autism research, strengthening the developmental-
behavioral pediatrician workforce, and mental health and communication
supports, particularly for autistic individuals who may be unable or
limited in their speech capabilities.
I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for
yielding and for his leadership and that of my colleague on the other
side of the aisle.
Mr. Speaker, it all started in September 1997, 27 years ago, with
Brick Township, New Jersey, parents Bobbie and Billy Gallagher and
their indomitable commitment to help their two children, Austin and
Alanna, and everyone else with autism.
We met several times and continue to plan and strategize to this day.
We invited the CDC to Brick, New Jersey, only to realize that Federal
autism programs were woefully inadequate. Frankly, they were
nonexistent.
They spend $287,000 per year on autism. That is it, a straight line
for 5 years. It was a nothing burger, and they did nothing really of
substance. So I introduced the Autism Statistics, Surveillance,
Research, and Epidemiology Act, the ASSURE Act, in 1998 and again in
1999. In the second one, we had 199, almost one-half of the House of
Representatives, as cosponsors. That would have established three to
five autism centers of excellence, authorized serious prevalence
studies, and established an autism advisory committee, which we now
call IACC.
I am deeply grateful that the ASSURE Act was incorporated in large
part by Chairman Mike Bilirakis as title I of the Children's Health Act
of 2000.
Mr. Speaker, in 2016, Bobbie Gallagher, now a board-certified
behavior analyst, wrote an amazing book called ``A Brick Wall: How a
Boy with No Words Spoke to the World.''
In it she points out, and it is just an amazing book, that all
parents of children with autism face many, many hardships: frequent
tears, agony, as well as physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion.
Doctors had told the Gallaghers not to worry about telltale early
warning signs of autism. One doctor was so uninformed that he said that
their daughter, Alanna, just needed a good swift kick in the ass.
She recounts, however, the big moments that she treasures deep within
her heart, like when 11-year-old Austin called her ``Mommy'' for the
first time. It was slow and deliberate, ``Mommy,'' and she said it was
beautiful. When he asked for a cookie, they celebrated in the Gallagher
household.
It is a primer for everyone, and I would hope that others would read
it. She said in the book that she realized why she is on this Earth:
``I am here to fight for children with autism,'' and fight she and her
husband, Billy, have, like so many other brave and remarkable parents
who deeply love their children.
They are parents like Scott Badesch, who is on my staff. Scott was
the president of Autism Society for 10 years. Deeply, he and his wife
love their son, Evan. They love their whole family. He is 37, and they
have benefited from his leadership. We have benefited here in the
Congress from Scott's leadership.
Also, Mr. Speaker, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability,
Research, Education, and Support Act, or simply the Autism CARES Act of
2024, is a comprehensive reauthorization and strengthening of America's
whole-of-government autism spectrum disorder initiative.
As the prime author of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 and previous
iterations of the law in 2011, 2014, and again in 2019, let me send
special thanks to cosponsor Henry Cuellar for his leadership and
partnership, and to Brett Guthrie, who is the chairman of the Health
Subcommittee and incoming full committee chairman, for faithfully
shepherding this legislation through the committee.
I thank my fellow New Jerseyan, Frank Pallone. Above all, I thank and
show the deepest respect and gratitude to Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who
is a tenacious, effective, and brilliant advocate for the autism
community. I thank Steve Scalise for making sure we are here today
with the bill. I also thank Susan Collins and Ben Ray Lujan for their
important work over on the Senate side.
I thank committee staff, including Molly Brimmer, Kristin Fritsch,
and Caitlin Wilson, among others, for their help, which was totally
invaluable; and John McDonough, Mary Noonan, and, of course, Scott
Badesch on my staff for their work on this bill.
The bill, as we know, provides, as has already been mentioned by my
colleagues, critical research goals focused on responsive and effective
interventions for the estimated 6.8 million individuals with autism, 27
percent of whom--that is 1.8 million--are profoundly autistic.
According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children in the U.S., including 1 in 35
in my home State of New Jersey, are on the autism spectrum.
The bill authorizes more than $1.59 billion over 5 years for programs
at the NIH, CDC, and HRSA, Health Resources and Services
Administration. It directs the NIH to include the scope of research
issues encountered by individuals and caregivers.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Issa). The time of the gentleman has
expired.
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the
gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
[[Page H7164]]
Mr. Speaker, I will be very brief and close and put the rest of it in
the Record.
Autism Speaks says that the Autism CARES Act is the single most
important driver of autism research, training, and data collection
programs at NIH, HRSA, and CDC.
Mr. Speaker, we are joined here by Chris Banks, the CEO of Autism
Society. They say it is a pivotable law for individuals with autism and
their families to live fully, and it is crucial to understand the
immense impact this law has on the daily lives of the autism community.
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities is also very,
very supportive, and Profound Autism Alliance has pushed hard for this
bill and its enhanced focus on individuals with profound autism, which
they define as people who require lifetime, 24/7 care.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and the
President, we hope, will sign it.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7213: Directs the NIH to include in the scope of
research issues encountered by individuals and caregivers as they age,
mental health concerns, issues related to aging, as well as co-
occurring conditions and needs for supports and services, such as care
necessary for physical safety and the prevention of self-injurious
behavior.
Increases the number of NIH Centers of Excellence to seven and
ensures research reflects the entire population of individuals with
autism spectrum disorder and is designed to address the full range of
needs faced by individuals, including to ensure the physical safety and
to promote the well being of all Americans with autism.
Includes, for the first time, a professional bypass budget to provide
the autism community with a comprehensive budget highlighting priority
research areas and resources needed to advance quality of life
improvements for all individuals with autism.
Promotes the adoption of assistive communication technologies to
improve communications outcomes for those with communication assistance
needs.
My bill also helps adults with autism who were and are today often
misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed and overlooked.
Language throughout the bill continues to emphasize that causes,
diagnosis, detection, prevention and treatment of autism spectrum
disorder must be throughout the lifespan of a person. To this end,
Congress has included the study of gerontology--the study of aging,
including the physical, mental, and social changes that occur as people
age, as an NIH research priority.
H.R. 7213 continues to emphasize the need for early detection and
intervention--including the use of advanced technologies in early
detection--to provide the highest quality of life possible for those
with autism.
The earlier a child can be identified as having ASD, the earlier they
can access interventions and services.
Researchers have developed technologies to identify signs of autism
in children as young as eighteen months--this is an incredible
development and there is more research being done now to determine if
autism can be identified even earlier. However, the median age of
diagnosis in the United States is not until after 4 years of age, and
diagnosis often occurs even later among those without intellectual
disabilities or delays in social communication.
The delivery of services and interventions must keep up with a
younger patient population, and services and interventions for autistic
individuals must continue to improve across their lifespans.
Examples of services and interventions research include approaches to
address conditions that affect the quality of life for individuals on
the autism spectrum, such as behavior that puts individuals with
significant support needs or their caregivers at risk (e.g., self-
injurious, elopement, aggression, etc.), or mental health concerns
(anxiety, depression, suicidality). The Autism CARES Act emphasizes the
need to improve the quality of life for individuals with the full range
of needs across the lifespan. Continued research by NIH to study how to
improve interventions and the delivery of services is crucial.
H.R. 7213 calls for a report on youth aging out of school-aged
services since the pandemic, and recommendations to improve mental
health outcomes and address related disparities in mental health care
for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including prevention,
care coordination, and community-based services.
Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Carter).
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Senate amendment
to H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act of 2024, which reauthorizes and
strengthens the autism spectrum disorder research, education, and
support initiative through 2029.
The Autism CARES Act is the single most important driver of Federal
investment in autism research and training programs over the past few
decades. It has led to improvements in early intervention services, a
better understanding of the prevalence of autism, and a better
understanding of the co-occurring health conditions that individuals
with autism experience.
Importantly, it has also been responsible for thousands of future
health professionals being trained on how to screen, diagnose, and
provide interventions to individuals with autism and other
neurodevelopmental disabilities to improve their health and well-being.
Thanks to the Autism CARES Act, many health professionals are better
equipped to meet the ever-changing and diverse needs of individuals
with autism and other people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Located in my home State of Georgia within Children's Healthcare of
Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Center is one of the largest autism centers
in the U.S. and is actively involved in research to pinpoint the
earliest signs of autism and determine better ways to treat the
disorder. Marcus integrates research into clinical practice to maximize
the potential of children with autism.
NIH had historically supported research grants focused on
intervention and services, and I am hopeful that with engagement from
Congress and stakeholders, NIH can once again support this important
research through the centers of excellence program.
I thank Representative Chris Smith for working on this important
issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
{time} 1545
Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to
support H.R. 7213, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on
this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon) that the House suspend the rules
and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 7213.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________