Additionally, other bills which aim to shift AIDS money to rural areas and the South and create a government unit to oversee the response to a bird flu pandemic or bio terrorism attack were also signed.
According to AP, on Dec. 7, Congress voted to increase federal funding to identify the cause of autism, now diagnosed in one in 166 children. The Senate has also approved a voice vote legislation that authorizes $945 million to National Institutes of Health over five years for autism research, screening and treatment.
The institutes would reportedly research areas related to autism spectrum disorder, including an examination of whether the increase in autism diagnoses is caused by environmental factors.
According to a statement by Bush, "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," he added.
Additionally, the president also signed a bill to create a new agency within the Health and Human Services Department to oversee the development of medicine and equipment to respond to a bird flu pandemic or a bio terrorism attack.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said, "It will increase our preparedness and response capabilities for public health emergencies by increasing our medical surge capacity, strengthening our public health infrastructure, and clarifying the responsibilities of federal officials."
