Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus and author of five comprehensive autism laws, issued the following statement after meeting with Autism Speaks advocates from across the country to discuss the importance of continued federal research funding for autism:

                “Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming over 100 Autism Speaks advocates to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum & Capitol Hill Day.

                “Autism Speaks President and CEO Keith Wargo, a constituent from Bay Head, is a critical leader in the autism advocacy community. His invaluable leadership has vastly improved the quality of life for all in the autism community. Joining him from New Jersey are many self- and family advocates, who have come to our Nation’s capital to share their stories and the stories of their loved ones.

                “This year, advocates raised critical priorities, including full implementation and funding of my Autism CARES Act of 2024, which was signed into the law at the end of 2024 and includes $1.95 billion for autism research and education.”

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