Attorney General Manibusan joins bipartisan coalition seeking congressional support for autism services

Attorney General Edward Manibusan today announced that he has joined a bipartisan coalition of 47 attorneys general calling upon Congress to authorize the Autism CARES Act of 2019. This legislation provides ongoing federal support for research into autism spectrum disorders (“ASD”) and services to those affected by these conditions.

In the CNMI, Public Law 16-28 created the Commonwealth Autism Commission to develop a comprehensive plan for services for individuals with autism. “I highly encourage the members of the Commonwealth Autism Commission to take part in supporting the Autism CARES Act reauthorization bill to U.S. Congress,” says Attorney General Manibusan. “There are a number of children and adults in the CNMI who are diagnosed with ASD and it is important that these individuals continue to receive services with the support of the Autism Commission,” concludes the AG.

The coalition is co-led by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.

“The United States is a caring and compassionate nation,” Attorney General Hill said. “As Americans, we must stand together to help alleviate the challenges imposed by ASD upon families across the country.”

A previous version of this legislation is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2019. The Autism CARES Act of 2019 currently exists as H.R. 1058 in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 427 in the U.S. Senate. Congress began addressing autism in 2000 with the first enactment of the bill. The Autism CARES Act of 2019 will continue Congress’ ongoing mission to ensure that those living with ASD receive the necessary support and research.

“We are committed to providing a wide array of programs and services to support children and adults with autism, and their families,” Attorney General Hood said. “The Act responds to this national concern with a cohesive interagency effort, including programs for America’s rural and underdeveloped communities.”