Over the winter holidays, President Joe Biden signed two important bills sponsored by New Jerseyans into law, marking a significant step forward in addressing key health issues. One bill, led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), reauthorizes several major autism-related programs, while the other, authored by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch), provides more funding for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training in schools and daycare centers.
Smith’s bill, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (Autism CARES) Act of 2024, is particularly significant for the autism community. It authorizes a substantial $1.95 billion in funding for autism programs through Fiscal Year 2029. Smith, a staunch advocate for autism-related legislation, has championed similar bills through Congress every few years since 2000. The original version of the Autism CARES Act became law in that year, and since then, it has been reauthorized with expanded funding and focus. This latest bill continues to build upon that foundation, with a sharp emphasis on research, education, and support services for those with autism.
“As the prime author of the Autism Cares Act of 2024 and previous iterations of the law in 2011, 2014, and 2019, I know this legislation will help make a huge difference in the lives of the millions of Americans with autism by providing robust funding for durable remedies as well as effective early detection and intervention services to allow them the highest quality of life possible,” Smith said in a statement.
Smith’s leadership in advancing autism-related legislation is notable. His ongoing efforts have helped ensure that individuals with autism continue to receive the services and support they need. The Autism CARES Act has been instrumental in improving early diagnosis, intervention, and services for individuals on the autism spectrum. The inclusion of an autism bill like this is a powerful signal of the government’s commitment to supporting this community, not just through funding, but by prioritizing long-term solutions. The bill passed the House 402-13 in September, a strong bipartisan vote, and the Senate passed it by voice vote in December. After passing the Senate, it returned to the House for final approval before President Biden signed it into law on December 23.
Meanwhile, Pallone’s bill, the Cardiomyopathy Health, Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, addresses an equally critical issue: cardiac emergencies in schools and daycare centers. This bill establishes a federal grant program to fund AEDs and CPR training for educators and caregivers in these environments. With an increasing number of young people suffering from cardiac events, Pallone’s HEARTS Act is designed to ensure that schools are better equipped to handle such emergencies. This bill passed both the House and Senate through voice votes and, like Smith’s autism bill, was signed into law by President Biden on December 23.
“Just like the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day, this Christmas brought a moment of true heartwarming change,” Pallone said in a statement. “The HEARTS Act is about saving lives and equipping schools to act in cardiac emergencies. It’s a gift of safety and hope that will protect young people for years to come.”
Both bills, signed into law over the holiday season, represent a profound commitment to public health. Whether addressing the needs of the autism community through the autism bill or improving safety in schools with the HEARTS Act, these pieces of legislation reflect a forward-thinking approach to some of the country’s most pressing health concerns. As we look toward the future, these legislative achievements will continue to make a lasting impact, improving lives and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support and resources they deserve.
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