109th Congress

Combating Autism Act of 2006

P.L. 109-416 (S. 843)

Impact of Public Law

P.L. 109-416, the Combating Autism Act of 2006, requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate autism spectrum disorders (ASD)-related research. Specifically, the Act sets forth a nonexhaustive list of research areas to be included in NIH’s ASD initiatives, including research into possible environmental causes of autism. It expands the scope of autism research under NIH and the Centers of Excellence in such research to address the entire scope of ASD, rather than only autism. The new law will also allow the Director to consolidate program activities to improve efficiencies and outcomes.

NIH Review of the Centers of Excellence

P.L. 109-416 requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of NIH, to conduct an NIH-wide review of the Centers of Excellence and report to Congress the following information with regard to the centers: 1) a performance and outcomes evaluation, 2) recommendations for promoting information coordination, and 3) recommendations for improving effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes.

Expansion of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

P.L. 109-416 expands the role of the existing Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) to coordinate all efforts within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concerning ASD. IACC will report annually on scientific advances in ASD research, monitor Federal ASD-related activities, make recommendations to the Secretary of HHS regarding appropriate changes to such activities and public participation, and develop a strategic plan for ASD research, including proposed budgetary requirements. The strategic plan will also be submitted to Congress.

Legislative History

S. 843 was introduced by Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT) on April 19, 2005, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). On July 19, 2006, the Senate HELP Committee by a voice vote reported out S. 843, as amended by the Committee with a Committee substitute bill, favorably to the full Senate. On August 3, S. 843, as amended by the Senate, was passed by the Senate by unanimous consent.

On December 6, S. 843, as amended by the House, was passed by the House by a voice vote under suspension of the rules. On December 7, the Senate passed the House version of S. 843 by unanimous consent. The measure was signed by the President as P.L. 109-416 on December 19.