Congress Passes Legislation To Provide Funding For Autism Research, Treatment

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 12 Dec 2006 - 11:00 PDT

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The Senate on Thursday by voice vote approved a bill (S 843), sponsored by Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), that would authorize $945 million over five years for autism research, screenings, treatment and education, CQ Today reports. The Senate first passed the legislation by voice vote in August but had to vote a second time to approve revisions made by the House (George, CQ Today, 12/7). The House on Wednesday by voice vote passed the bill. The revisions, proposed by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Joe Barton (R-Texas), increased funds for the legislation from $870 million to $945 million. In addition, the revisions eliminated a provision that would have required the establishment of new NIH "centers of excellence" for autism research or language to mandate funding levels for specific research initiatives (George, CQ Today, 12/6). Marguerite Kirst Colston, communications director for the Autism Society of America, said, "We think it's a really incredible first step for lawmakers" (CQ Today, 12/7).

Bill Passed To Limit Sales of Cold-Medication Ingredient
The House on Wednesday also passed a bill (HR 5280) designed to limit unapproved sales of bulk and powdered dextromethorphan, a cold medication ingredient that can be abused, CQ Today reports. DXM, an ingredient that is sold in over-the-counter cough and cold medicine or over the internet in powdered form, has been used by teenagers who ingest the syrup or mix the substance with alcohol or illegal drugs. The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), would limit bulk purchases of the ingredient. The bill also would restrict the sale and distribution of unfinished ingredients such as DXM to registered drug producers. The bill passed by voice vote under suspension of the rules. FDA has said that DXM can cause "death as well as other serious adverse events such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and irregular heart beat." Upton in a statement said, "Our kids are playing a game of Russian roulette each time they get high off of DXM. Sooner or later, someone dies" (Stern, CQ Today, 12/6).

House Approves Respite Care Bill
In addition, the House on Wednesday approved the Lifespan Respite Care Act, a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) that would provide $289 million over five years for states to train volunteers and provide other services to family caregivers, the AP/Asbury Park Press reports. HHS would distribute the funds to states, which would award grants. Ferguson said, "Today's action by this House represents an important victory nationwide to family caregivers. Your selfless sacrifice is appreciated and help is on the way" (AP/Asbury Park Press, 12/7).

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