In 2001, Representative Chris Smith and I founded and co-chaired the first-ever Congressional Membership Organization dedicated to autism advocacy on Capitol Hill—The Coalition for Autism Research and Education (CARE). Over 180 Members of Congress from over 40 states joined this bipartisan and bicameral effort.

Representative Smith and I are proud to serve as the co-chairs for the Autism Caucus in the 116th Congress.

The goals of the bipartisan Autism Caucus include:

• Increasing awareness about autism spectrum disorder among Members of Congress and policy analysts in federal government,
• Educating Members of Congress about current and future research initiatives regarding autism,
• Serving as a forum where autism-related policy issues can be discussed,
• Bringing together public, private, and government entities to pursue legislative initiatives that will help facilitate advanced treatments for autism spectrum disorder,
• Promoting all means to ease the burdens of families and loved ones affected by autism.

I want to thank each and every one of the parents and families who have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the need for federal attention to this challenging life-long disorder.