Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2005, the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011, a bill important to many families in Hawaii. H.R. 2005 reauthorizes the landmark Combating Autism Act of 2006, which significantly increased both the depth and breadth of the federal response to the national and public health emergency posed by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Since passage of that law, we have made tremendous strides in federally-funded and directed research. It was the detailed surveillance by the federal Centers for Disease Control under the act that identified the increasing prevalence of autism: 1 in every 110 American children--including 1 in 70 boys--is diagnosed with an ASD, making it the nation's fastest-growing, serious developmental disorder. I've heard from a mother in Kailua on the island of Oahu who credits the 2006 law for providing her family with needed medical attention and assistance for their autistic child. H.R. 2005 builds on our good efforts. I became a cosponsor of the bill because I believe it supports hope and opportunity for a brighter future for families not only in Hawaii but across our nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in support of the H.R. 2005.”