The White House, President George W. Bush

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 19, 2006

President's Statement on Combating Autism Act of 2006

     Fact sheet Fact Sheet: Combating Autism Act of 2006

For the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by autism, today is a day of hope. The Combating Autism Act of 2006 will increase public awareness about this disorder and provide enhanced federal support for autism research and treatment. By creating a national education program for doctors and the public about autism, this legislation will help more people recognize the symptoms of autism. This will lead to early identification and intervention, which is critical for children with autism. I am proud to sign this bill into law and confident that it will serve as an important foundation for our Nation's efforts to find a cure for autism.

Laura Bush stands by President George W. Bush as he signs S. 843, the Combating Autism Act of 2006, in the Oval Office Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006. White House photo by Eric Draper# # #

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPINION
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THE RECORD

 

Your Views

Thursday, January 18, 2007

While many people are unhappy with the way President Bush has handled the war in Iraq and a North Jersey group is calling for his impeachment ("Group is bent on impeaching Bush," Page L-3, Jan. 2), much of the world may have missed one of the greatest acts of his presidency.

 

In recently signing the Combating Autism Act ("Funding for autism battle could come in '07," Page A-1, Dec. 20), President Bush authorized spending of nearly $1 billion for autism.

 

Millions have been affected by the war in Iraq. But this bill may have a positive impact on the lives of perhaps more than a billion people worldwide. These would include not only people affected by autism, but their friends, family members and professionals trying to help them.

 

Everyone around the world who hates the United States and everything we stand for should know that advances in autism research will help some of the people they care about.

 

And the people in New Jersey who are calling for the impeachment of President Bush should realize that a single stroke of his pen may have been one of the most far-reaching and important acts of his presidency, an act that will likely help some of the people they know and love.

 

Jon Singer

 

Tenafly, Jan. 5

 

The writer is founder of the Drive for Rebecca, an advocacy group supporting autistic individuals. 

 

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