July 10, 2019

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2019 (H.R.1058) will be a part of the Health Subcommittee markup on Thursday, July 11. This is a critical next step in the reauthorization process.  

What is a Mark Up?

Congressional committees and subcommittees debate, amend, and make any needed changes to proposed legislation. This is often the step directly before a vote on the bill.

Background

The Autism CARES Act of 2019 was introduced in both the House and Senate on February 7^th. To date, 117 members of the House and 25 Senators from all but five states have joined as co-sponsors.

Action Items

The voices of the AUCD network continue to be critical influencers as member of Congress consider CARES.

• Additional co-sponsors continue to be important to ensure movement. Priority continues to be to increase the numbers of Democrats or Republicans in the House and Republican Senators.
  1. Follow up with every office in your state and territory that has not yet sponsored; share information about how CARES serves their district or state.
  2. Ask your institutional federal affairs staff to advocate for members to co-sponsor.
• If a member or members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is from your state, please reach out to their office and share:
  1. Your experience with the impact of CARES.
  2. Information about your program and work.
  3. How important reauthorization is to your state.

Use AUCD's website for additional background on how the Autism CARES Act has helped to expand research and coordination, increase public awareness and surveillance, and expand interdisciplinary health professional training to identify and support children and youth with Autism and their families:

• CARES Act Summary
• How CARES impacts LEND Programs
• Testimony about CARES from the Committee Hearing