(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting to reauthorize multiple public health care bills including; Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 2035), Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 776), Autism CARES Act of 2019 (H.R. 1058), and Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 2507):
“As a physician, supporting these public health care reauthorization bills is commonsense. These programs play a vital role in our communities throughout the nation in addressing the health care needs of the most vulnerable Americans. I believe these bills will save lives.”
Background
Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 2035)
This bipartisan bill would authorize $20 million for Fiscal Year 2020, with funding increasing by $10 million annually in order to reach $60 million for Fiscal Year 2024, for the Lifespan Respite Care program. This important program allows full-time caregivers to take a temporary break from their responsibilities caring for aging or disabled loved ones.
Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 776)
This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program, which is a grant program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The program focuses on improving emergency health care for children who are seriously ill or injured.
Autism CARES Act of 2019 (H.R. 1058)
Authorizes $23.1 million to the CDC for developmental disability surveillance and research.
Authorizes $50.6 million to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for education, early detection, and intervention, and allows HRSA to prioritize new grant applicants in rural or underserved areas.
Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 2507)
This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes critical federal activities that assist states in improving and expanding their newborn screening programs, supporting parent and provider newborn screening education, and ensuring laboratory quality and surveillance. The bill renews funding for the programs of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act.
