Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank Chairman Waxman, Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Joe Barton and Representative Shimkus, and my good friend and colleague, Chris Smith, who for so many years has joined with me as we tried to work on behalf of families who are dealing with this every day of their lives. {time} 1700 You know, as many of you know, autism has been the primary focus of my time here in Congress. Even though there is still much we don't know, in just the time that I've been here, we have seen light years' worth of improved understanding of the condition. One of the most important things we have learned is that early intervention works. That's why I have always appreciated that Chairman Waxman and Chairman Pallone have worked with me during health care reform in making sure that plans in the exchange have included needed behavioral health benefits. Among the many items that the House passed in our health reform bill that the Senate did not was a services training and research initiative for children and adults with autism, so we decided to introduce it as a standalone bill, H.R. 5756, the Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide, or TRAIN Act. I am glad that it is on the House floor today. Individuals on the autism spectrum often need assistance in the areas of comprehensive early intervention, health, recreation, job training, employment, housing, transportation, and early, primary, secondary, and postsecondary education.…”