Sponsors

Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA)

S. 937
Senate Sponsor: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY)

H.R. 1881
House Sponsor: Rep. Michael Doyle (PA-14)

Summary Bill Description

• The EPIAA will authorize approximately $350 million in new federal money – over and above all existing federal spending on autism – for important initiatives related to treatments, interventions, and services for both children and adults with autism.
• More specifically, the EPIAA authorizes -
• The creation of a task force (with not less than 1/3 autism community membership) to report to Congress and the Executive Branch on the state of evidence-based biomedical and behavioral treatments and services for both children and adults with autism, including identifying gaps in applied research on such treatments, interventions and services.
• Demonstration grants for the coverage of treatments, interventions and services ($20 million annually).
• Planning and demonstration grants for services for adults with autism ($20 million annually).
• Grants for the expansion of access to immediate post-diagnosis care ($10 million in Fiscal Year 2009, growing to $20 million by Fiscal Year 2012).
• National training grants for the University Centers of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities for training, technical assistance and additional services for individuals with autism and their families ($13.4 million annually).
• A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on service provision and financing.
• Grants to protection and advocacy systems to better meet the needs of families facing autism and other developmental disabilities, including legal representation ($6 million annually).

Why This Legislation Matters
While we do not know what causes autism, we do know that with early intervention and concentrated treatment, the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can be mitigated, enabling individuals with autism and their families to live less isolated lives. The Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA) will provide additional treatment and support resources, increasing access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.

Together, we are calling upon each and every American that loves someone affected by autism, or is concerned about the rising rate of incidence and lack of response from the federal government, to contact their Senators and Representative and help gather cosponsors for the EPIAA.

The Combating Autism Act of 2005 must be co-sponsored by a majority of members in the Senate and House. This is the first and most important step toward making this bill a law, which would enable the federal government to pick where the Children's Health Act of 2000 will leave off when it expires later this year. Click here for more details on why the passage of the Combat of Autism Act of 2005 is so critical.

Read the full text of the legislation here:
House Legislation
Senate Legislation

About the Combating Autism Act

The Combating Autism Act of 2005 is supported by all major autism organizations, including A-CHAMP, Autism One, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, COSAC, Cure Autism Now, Dan Marino Foundation, First Signs, Generation Rescue, Moms Against Mercury, National Alliance for Autism Research, National Autism Association, NoMercury, OAR, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, SafeMinds, Talk About Curing Autism, TalkAutism, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology, Unlocking Autism, and US Autism and Asperger’s Association.

Together, we are calling upon each and every American that loves someone affected by autism, or is concerned about the rising rate of incidence and lack of response from the federal government, to contact your U.S. Congress and help gather co-sponsors for the bill.

Cosponsors By State