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Developmental Disabilities > Autism Information Center > Congressional Activities

 Congressional Activities

CDC is one of several federal agencies that has projects in place to study autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Please click on the links below to read about other federal activities related to ASDs.

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Congressional Activities

Children’s Health Act of 2000
The Children’s Health Act of 2000, also known as Public Law 106-310, was signed by President Bill Clinton on October 16, 2000. It expands research and services for a variety of childhood health problems, including autism.

The act established the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and authorized the establishment of Centers of Excellence at both CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to promote research and monitoring efforts related to causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, and treatment of autism.

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Annual Report to Congress
Under the Children's Health Act of 2000, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must report to Congress each year about how the provisions of the act are being put into place. The report includes the activities related to autism spectrum disorders carried out at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CDC, and other federal agencies. Following are reports for the past 5 years.

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Coalition for Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.)
The Coalition for Autism Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) is the Congressional Autism Caucus. Started in 2001, it is the first Congressional Member Organization to focus on ASDs.

C.A.R.E. works to teach members of Congress about ASDs and the related activities and concerns of researchers, advocates, and parents. The members of C.A.R.E., who represent most states, want to improve research, education, and support services for people who have an ASD. The Congressional Autism Caucus aims to generate much needed interest in funding for autism research by holding briefings that provide a bipartisan forum where autism issues and proposed solutions can be debated and discussed.

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Combating Autism Act of 2006
The Combating Autism Act of 2006 (S.843) was signed by President George W. Bush on December 19, 2006, with the goal of raising public awareness about this disorder and enhancing federal support for autism research and treatment. The act creates a national education program for doctors and the public to help people recognize the symptoms of autism and improve early identification and intervention.

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Developmental Disabilities Act of 2000
On October 30, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed the Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act). This law reauthorizes the programs established by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1963. Its goal is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families get the services and support they need and that they can participate in planning and designing those services. Through the DD Act, federal funds support the development and operation of state councils, protection and advocacy systems, university centers (formerly known as university-affiliated programs), and projects of national significance. Learn more about these programs at the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004 was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 3, 2004. IDEA supports special education and related services for approximately 6.4 million children and youth with disabilities. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education writes a report for Congress about IDEA. The report discusses many aspects of the IDEA program, including programs and services, policies, and characteristics of the students served.

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New Freedom Initiative
The New Freedom Initiative, announced by President Bush in early 2001, is a measure to strengthen and fully enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act, established in 1990. The initiative calls for a coordinated, nationwide movement to assist individuals with disabilities in participating more fully in society. The initiative helps ensure that every American has the opportunity to participate in education, employment, and all aspects of community life.

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No Child Left Behind Act
On January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act. It provides four main areas of support: stronger accountability for results, more freedom for states and communities, proven education methods, and more choices for parents. Visit the No Child Left Behind site for more information about the act and a map that shows this legislation’s impact on each state. Or download a copy of the act.

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THOMAS
THOMAS was launched in January 1995, at the direction of the 104th Congress. Through THOMAS, the Library of Congress makes federal legislative information freely available to the public. THOMAS has information on the following topics:

  • Bills and resolutions
  • Activity in Congress
  • Congressional record
  • Schedules and calendars
  • Committee information
  • Presidential nominations
  • Treaties
  • Government resources
  • Information for teachers
  • Help and contact information

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Disclaimer: We have provided a link to these sites because they have information that may be of interest to you. CDC does not necessarily endorse the views or information presented on these sites. Furthermore, CDC does not endorse any commercial products or information that may be presented or advertised on these sites.

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Date: November 01, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

 

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