Garrett Applauds House Passage of Combating Autism Act
Washington,
Dec 6, 2006 -
Today, Congressman Scott Garrett applauded the House passage of the Combating Autism Act of 2006. This Act would expand autism research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and require the NIH to develop and implement a strategic plan to conduct and support autism spectrum disorder research.
“Autism impacts individuals and their families in very personal ways and sends its shockwaves throughout the greater community in so many ways. I was pleased today to support this bill to refocus our Federal funding efforts to better understand this debilitating disease, leading to improvements in the lives of millions,” said Garrett.
Garrett has a strong record of supporting efforts to diagnose, treat, and prevent autism. This Act today authorizes $870 million towards these ends. In addition, Congressman Garrett is a cosponsor of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2005 (H.R.881), which addresses concerns that mercury-containing vaccines could be tied to the increasing incidence of autism, and H.Con.Res 254, honoring the Autism Society of America on its 40th anniversary. He has also been working with community leaders in North Jersey to help a school for autistic children, the REED Academy, expand its services in Oakland in Bergen County.
The bill will now be presented to the President for his signature into law.
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