Early Hearing Detection And Intervention Act Of 2015
Floor Speech
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Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I am pleased that, today, the House is considering H.R. 1344, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2015. This bipartisan bill sets a strong precedent for working together on the many big issues before Congress this month.
This bill, which I introduced along with Congresswoman Lois Capps, reauthorizes the program for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of deaf and hard of hearing newborns, infants, and young children.
H.R. 1344 encourages hearing tests and intervention for newborn babies. Through early detection, these children and their families can be made aware of a child's hearing loss and given access to specialized early intervention providers and programs in order to help children meet their potential. This reauthorization increases the focus on loss to followup. So those children whose hearing loss is identified don't just stop with identification; they may go on to receive intervention, treatment, or an introduction to deaf services.
This program has proven success. In 2000, only 40 percent of newborns were screened for hearing loss. That number rose to just over 86 percent in 2011, and, today, the CDC reports that, roughly, 97 percent of all infant children are screened for hearing loss.
In closing, I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Capps, for her leadership over the years on this important bipartisan issue. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1344 so we can continue these vital services for newborn babies and young children.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank my friend from California (Mrs. Capps) so much for our working together to move this bipartisan bill forward. I thank our subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Green, and our chairman, Chairman Pitts.
I was involved in this effort in Kentucky when I was in the State Senate. I have seen the difference that it makes, and I am glad to be involved in this on a national level. Knowing that 97 percent of our babies are screened so they can get intervention and treatment very early in their lives makes a big difference. I am proud to be a part of this, and I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 1344.
I yield back the balance of my time.
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