University:
Stockton University
Course:
ENVL 3413 | Population Biology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

169

Pages:

3
Author:

fiduciariea

Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement 1 BILL NAME: The Autism CARES Act In 2021 roughly 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Specifically, 1 in 27 boys were identified with autism and 1 in 116 girls were identified with autism. Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain (Mughal, S). The Autism CARES Act is a federal Bill that was enacted in September 2019; however, it was first presented in 2006 when President Bush signed it into law, only it was called the Combating Autism Act. The objective of the Bill was to get federal attention to the increasing cases of autism across the country. The Bill was proposed an increase in federal efforts as well as investments to address the needs of those with autism and their families (Autism Cares Act, 2019). In 2019, the Bill was renamed the Autism CARES Act. The Bill was presented to House of Representatives Rep. Chris Smith and Rep. Mike Doyle and then to presented to the Senate by Senators Menendez and Enzi. Their intention was to get the National Institutes of Health to focus on autism and autism care and to secure funding (Menendez, 2019). The Bill is directed at those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; to study the causes of the condition; learning how to identify the condition early; how to prevent the condition; and ways to manage the condition by improving quality of care. The Autism CARES Act was needed considering the increasing cases of autism. The renamed, revised Bill was signed off by President Trump in 2019. It allocates $1.8 billion (over five years) to help those with autism and their families. Discussions are still underway with the National Institutes of Health about their supporting research activities on autism and enhancing health care programs (Autism Society, 2019). The Bill drew at tention from the Press at the time which sparked the public’s awareness of the problem and the contents of the Bill. Congressman endorsed their support of the Bill and its plans for funding. Several autism support organizations submitted letters of support in favor 2 of the Bill, as well, some even asking for expedited consideration (Autism Society, 2019). There was concern that the Bill would increase federal spending thereby increasing the federal deficit. This could have been mitigated by making amendments to the Bill such as: 1. Eliminate the “repeal authorizations of appropriations” parts to eliminate federal deficit concerns. 2. Get funding from private sources, especially those who support autism research. This would alleviate the burden of cost on the government. The Autism CARES Act was a smart investment with great potential because it helps people with autism and their families today and will continue to help for generations to come by providing substantial advances in the care of those with this disorder. It could be more improved if there were more funds and funds that are carefully balanced and allocated. 3

Legislation Grid and Testimony, Advocacy Statement

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