On the recordSeptember 20, 2011
I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2005, the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011, would enable the Department of Health and Human Services to continue its important work to understand, treat, and cure autism spectrum disorders. In 2000, Congress passed the Children's Health Act that included funding for research and surveillance on autism. Eventually in 2006, Congress passed the Combating Autism Act that is now being reauthorized. The Combating Autism Act authorizes HHS to research on autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities at NIH, convene an Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, conduct surveillance to identify the extent of the disorder, and promote early screening and train medical personnel to identify children at risk. Since the program was first passed in 2006, research has led to better diagnosis, more comprehensive surveillance and programs that offer support and respite for families. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
