As a member of the Congressional Autism Caucus, I have been focused on learning more about autism and how we can help improve the lives of those families who struggle with it.  My heart goes out to families who face the challenges of autism each day. 

Research shows that autism has been on the rise over the last decade.  Many parents fear that the mercury found in most childhood vaccines has caused autism in their children.  Because of this growing concern, I have cosponsored H.R. 4169, the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2004, to reduce exposure to mercury through vaccines.  While some vaccines are now available mercury-free, the bill requires that by January 1, 2005, no childhood vaccine have more than 1 microgram of mercury and that all childhood vaccines be mercury-free by January 1, 2006.