Lawmakers Establish Caucus to Address Autism Concerns

Hoping to foster a "better public understanding and tolerance of autism," two lawmakers Tuesday established the Congressional Coalition for Autism Research and Education to boost autism research and promote education and discussion of the disease, Gannett News Service/Arizona Republic reports. Reps. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) will chair the caucus, and 61 other lawmakers had joined the group by Tuesday afternoon. According to Smith, the caucus will provide lawmakers with a "better chance" to secure funds for autism research and education programs. "There's nobody in Congress who's against this," he said, adding, "But the issue is prioritization." The caucus will offer recommendations for legislation and funding on autism-related issues in the next few weeks (Gannett News Service/Arizona Republic, 2/14).