I joined the Congressional Autism Caucus in an effort to learn more about this devastating disease.  Through the Caucus, I have been learning more about autism and how we can help improve the lives of those families who struggle with it. 

Research shows that autism has been on the rise over the last decade, affecting 1 in 166 children.  These numbers are staggering.  I have heard from many parents who fear that the mercury found in many childhood vaccines has caused autism in their children.  Because of this growing concern, I cosponsored H.R. 881, the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act, to reduce exposure to mercury through vaccines.  The bill requires that by January 1, 2006, no childhood vaccine have more than 1 microgram of mercury and that all childhood vaccines be mercury-free by January 1, 2009. 

This bill only addresses part of the struggle and I look forward to supporting increased funding for medical research and other efforts to help families who face this challenge everyday.