Political Quotes

“as an original cosponsor, I would like to express my strong support for H. Con. Res. 91, and I commend my colleague and author of this legislation, Christopher Smith, for addressing the importance in promoting an increased awareness of autism spectrum disease disorders. Autism is a brain disorder that impacts an individual's ability to respond appropriately to an environment and to form relationships. It affects at least 1 in every 500 children in America, and some studies suggest even 1 in 200. The number of children who are diagnosed with autism has escalated dramatically and, in Florida, approximately 50 percent of children suffering from autism reside in my community of South Florida. My good friends, Charles and Patience Flick, have two children, Bonnie and Willis, who have autism. This development disorder has robbed Bonnie and Willis of their ability to communicate and interact with their family members and playmates. Fortunately, Bonnie and Willis are able to afford the little treatment and intervention that exists, but many families living with this disorder are not as fortunate. As a Member of the House Autism Caucus, and as a strong supporter of H. Con. Res. 91, I am committed to raise awareness on autism, to work toward an increase of $6 million for the National Institutes of Health, and an additional increase of $5 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”