Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act of 2024, which reauthorizes and strengthens the autism spectrum disorder research, education, and support initiative through 2029.

The Autism CARES Act is the single most important driver of Federal investment in autism research and training programs over the past few decades. It has led to improvements in early intervention services, a better understanding of the prevalence of autism, and a better understanding of the co-occurring health conditions that individuals with autism experience.

Importantly, it has also been responsible for thousands of future health professionals being trained on how to screen, diagnose, and provide interventions to individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities to improve their health and well-being.

Thanks to the Autism CARES Act, many health professionals are better equipped to meet the ever-changing and diverse needs of individuals with autism and other people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Located in my home State of Georgia within Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Center is one of the largest autism centers in the U.S. and is actively involved in research to pinpoint the earliest signs of autism and determine better ways to treat the disorder. Marcus integrates research into clinical practice to maximize the potential of children with autism.

NIH had historically supported research grants focused on intervention and services, and I am hopeful that with engagement from Congress and stakeholders, NIH can once again support this important research through the centers of excellence program.

I thank Representative Chris Smith for working on this important issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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