Is Your Sen. or Rep. Attending Rep. Maloney's Vaccine-Autism Meeting?

Tune into Autism One Radio TODAY at 1:50pm Eastern for a Curt Linderman's interview with David Kirby before the meeting. And then listen to the meeting live. www.autismone.org/radio. - details to follow at their site.

The following provides a running tally of the Senators and Representatives who have RSVP'd in some fashion for Representative Carolyn Maloney's (D-NY) vaccine-autism meeting on Wednesday, September 24th at 2:00pm. Click HERE for details. Are your government officials on the list yet?  We've learned that you need to ask for the email address of the "Scheduler" for your Congressperson.  Send that person an email.

THERE ARE NOW 137 CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES THAT WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE BRIEFING ON CAPITOL HILL – WHAT ABOUT YOURS?

House 

Robert Cramer  AL D
Jo Bonner AL R
Jackie Speier  CA D
Zoe Lofgren  CA D
Henry Waxman  CA D
Barbara Lee  CA D
Duncan Hunter CA R
Loretta Sanchez  CA D
Jerry McNerney  CA D
Mark Udall  CO D
Christopher Shays  CT R
Mark Castle  DE R
Dave Weldon  FL R
Adam Putnam  FL R
Robert Wexler  FL D
Ginny Brown-Waite  FL R
Nathan Deal  GA R
Tom Price GA R
John Barrow GA D
Dave Loebsack  IA D
Ed Whitfield  KY R
John Tierney  MA D
Chris Van Hollen  MD D
Joe Knollenberg  MI R
John Kline MN R
Michelle Bachman  MN R
Tim Walz  MN D
Chip Pickering  MS R
David Price  NC D
Brad Miller NC D
Earl Pomeroy  ND D
Frank LoBiondo  NJ R
Steven Rothman  NJ D
Frank Pallone  NJ D
Carolyn Maloney NY D
Kirsten Gillibrand NY D
John McHugh  NY R
Nita Lowey  NY D
Charlie Wilson  OH D
David Wu OR D
Robert Brady  PA D
Charlie Dent  PA R
John Murtha  PA D
Todd Platts  PA R
Bill Shuster  PA R
Jim Langevin  RI D
Gresham Barrett  SC R
Joe Wilson  SC R
Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin SD D
John Tanner  TN D
Zach Wamp TN R
Gene Green  TX D
Louie Gohmert  TX R
Pete Sessions  TX R
Lloyd Doggett  TX D
Silvestre Reyes  TX D
Frank Wolf  VA R
Nick Rahall  WV D
 
Senate
 
Lisa Murkowski  AK R
Jeff Sessions  AL R
Johnny Isakson GA R
Saxby Chambliss  GA R
Barack Obama  IL D
Richard Durbin  IL D
Mitch McConnell  KY R
John Kerrey  MA D
Ted Kennedy  MA D
Olympia Snowe  ME R
Norm Coleman  MN R
Claire McCaskill  MO D
Richard Burr  NC R
Byron Dorgan  ND D
Kent Conrad  ND D
Frank Lautenberg  NJ D
Robert Menendez  NJ D
Ron Wyden  OR D
Gordon Smith  OR R
Sheldon Whitehouse  RI D
Jack Reed  RI D
Lindsay Graham  SC R
Tim Johnson  SD D
John Cornyn  TX R
Kay Bailey Hutchinson TX R
Orrin Hatch  UT R
Bernie Sanders  VT I
Maria Cantwell  WA D
Russ Feingold  WI D
Robert Byrd  WV D

Comments

[Colleen]

When we will see the list of people who ACTUALLY DID show up. Obviously, there were more RSVPs from members of congress than who followed through and sent a staff member.

Can we gets that?

[yizzy]

I just got a call from Senator Orrin Hatch's (R-UT) staffer after the meeting to let me know they had attended. I had contacted their office and scheduler several times and not heard anything back, so this was great news! They wanted me to know they were passing the information on to the Senator! YEA!

[K Fuller Yuba City]

Please post a list of those in attendance so that we can thank them as much as we pestered them to come.

[Kelli Ann Davis]

Mark and DK:

Two of the *absolute best* in our community -- hands down!!!

Show 'em what you're made of today and "tear down the walls" cuz we're all right behind you and we're coming through!

I love you guys!

Kelli

[ObjectiveAutismDad]

I got callback last night from Congressman Frank Wolf's office (R-VA) that he'll be sending a staffer to the meeting.

[Nora]

I just received confirmation that a health staff member from Oregon Senator Ron Wyden's and Representative Peter DeFazio's office will be attending.

[Dianna]

FYI: I spoke with someone at Congressman Vic Snyder's (Arkansas) D.C. office and was told that one of his staffers, David Hollingsworth, will be attending.

[sdtech]

Kim:

Re: Mercury still in children’s vaccines

Here is statement about the potential risk of autism from mercury in autism from the Verstraeten report of February 9, 2000.

“In conclusion, we can state that this analysis does not rule out that receipt of thi[merosal]
containing vaccine in children under three months of age may be related to an in[creased]
risk of neurologic development disorders. Specific conditions that may warra[nt more]
detailed study include autism, dyslaia, misery and unhappiness disorder and att[tention]
deficit disorder.”[Note: brackets indicate missing text due to partial missing page.]

See “Thimerosal VSD Study, Phase I, Update 2/29/00, CONFIDENTIAL DO NOT COPY OR RELEASE,” Verstraeten, Robert Davis, Frank DeStefano, page 9. Accessed on September 24, 2008 at http://www.nomercury.org/science/documents/ThimerosalVSDstudy_2-29-00.pdf .

Today, eight years later, thimerosal with mercury is still in some children’s vaccines! Reading the package insert is the only way to tell. Calculating the number of these massive atoms contained in so called "trace levels" or "below detectable levels" such as a level of 25 nanograms (a nanogram is 1/1,000 of a microgram) – still gives trillions of molecules injected into the bloodstreams of babies. These are not trace levels by any means.

[karenatlanta]

Mark and David -
You're going into that meeting today with thousands of us behind you.
Hit a home run for our kids today!
All our prayers and support are with you!

Representative Mahoney you are the kind of policy maker that Washington DC needs.
Thank you for driving this meeting.
Thank you for getting past the rhetoric and pharmaceutical smoke screen (ie paid consultants assuring us vaccines are always safe).
Our kids are blessed to have such a winning team.
Go get em'!

[sdtech]

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) Staff will try to attend.

[rileysmom]

I just wanted to say to everyone that has been involved in this. AND I mean everyone...Thank you for all the hard work. It means so much to know I have people in my corner that are willing to go ALL OUT for the cause. You guys are super!!!

[Sue]

Mark Udall's (D-CO) office confirmed by phone that they are sending a representative as Udall could not attend in person due to a schedule conflict. I don't see his name on the list yet; the person who called me asked what time it was at and if they needed to register somewhere; at the time I was away from home and didn't have the rsvp email address. She said she could look it up, so I hope she figured out how/where to rsvp. She said Udall's office would send Stanley Ho as their rep.

[Julie Williams]

I reminded Tom Tancredo's office that he was a school teacher at Oberon High. Currently there are over 20 kids in my sons CAC class at our typical grade school and that he should be alarmed. He should be full knowing how difficult it is for teachers and for our kids and what happens in middle school where many kids fail due to lack of appropriate programs and what happens when 1 out of 150 special kids with Autism grow up and we still do not have appropriate programs. I begged him to listen, learn and act by at least sending a staff member to the vaccine-autism debate where we can learn how to prevent the Autism pandemic from growing.

[Jeanne]

Julie, I personally spoke with Musgrave's HLA, Kristen, she told me she would be attending the briefing.

[Julie Williams]

I called all the gov officials in Colorado to let them know that if they think our country in in a financial crisis now wait a few years when 1 out 150 kids with Autism grow up and many will not have indpendance as adults and our country has no plan. Attending this meeting and recieving information and taking action could prevent the Autism pandemic from growing. I asked for studies to be done by people without conflict of interest. I am thankful for the support of Congressman Salazar and Rep Udall who will send staff. No one else would commit- I called Tancredo, Musgrave and Allard.

[Teresa]

posting this here, too-

Hi,

Obama's DC office does not pick up and v mail is full--what is that all about? I know he is running for prez but this is a HUGE issue for many of us--and I would like our Congress to be educated. (and hopefully, future president!)

I called my local Obama office and they are sending info to his scheduler..which I had already done and never heard back. I emphasized that he is not on the list and that does not look good. I gave them the website here so....they are supposed to call me back to confirm a staffer can attend and get him on the list. Forget Durbin....I'm still waiting on Rep Rahm Emanuel.

[K Fuller Yuba City]

Karenatlanta,
Thank you so much! I dont have a fax machine.

[Bruce Vanicek, Middletown, RI]

Yesterday, I emailed that Kate Mevis from the FDA will attend. That was incorrect. Kate works for Senator Reed's office. I misread the email sent to me. Please remove her name as being from the FDA. Thanks, Bruce

[karenatlanta]

Sen.Boxer and Feinstein fax went.

[Kelly in Big D]

Great news! I just got a call back from Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's office, and although she'll be in meetings trying to get funding to rebuild the coast of Texas, she WILL be sending 2 health staffers from her office - Cameron Cryer and Sarah Hunt. Yea!!!

Can someone add them to this list? Thanks!

[karenatlanta]

K Fuller
USE THE FAX!!!! All of mine have gone out no problemo! I'll fax them now.
I have Comcast and free long distance.

[Pamela]

This is outstanding!

[K Fuller Yuba City]

I have sent the RSVP list to Sen.Boxer and Feinstein, also Cong.W.Herger. I also resent their report card.
If they claim they did not know about this meeting,they need to restaff their office!
Everytime I get the auto reply from the office's I hit reply and send the info again.
I also sent it to The Oprah show, maybe someone from her show will go and take notes.
I am frustrated that Senator's don't accept emails from outside their constituency. The decisions they make affect us all, they should listen to what all Americans have to say.

[Jeanne]

Jack,

Email me for the direct line for Senator Dole's HLA. I've already left a message for her, maybe if we both call we can get an answer.

To be honest, it would be surprising at this late date to get the Senator herself; however, having her Health Legislative Assistant or even another health staff member present to represent the Senator and to receive the information would be beneficial.

:-) Kim (or whomever is moderating today), would you please give my email addy to Jack?
Thanks~!

[Hopeful]

Mark Udall CO office is looking into this and said they will report back this afternoon on whether he or a rep will attend. Perhaps it would help if they got a few more calls? Udall office CO (303) 650-7820 or DC (202) 225-2161

[Elizabeth]

Heidi, I just emailed schedulers for Rothman and Smith. Maybe they need to be bugged some more!

[Jack]

I stand corrected. Just got off the phone with Sen. Burr's office. The person I got forwarded to for scheduling told me she would "make sure one of the healthcare staff attends."

[Heidi]

I called Rothman and Smith from NJ. No commitment.

[Jack]

I just actually spoke to someone in scheduling (thanks for that advice) in Dole's (NC) office and she checked with the Healthcare staffer and then told me "she's not sure if anyone from Senator Dole's office will be able to attend. I'm sorry about that."

So, I'd take that as a no.

[Jeanne]

Jack, I personally spoke with Heather in Congressman Brad Miller's office; they will, in fact, have a staffer present at the briefing.

[Pamela]

If you haven't been able to secure a committment from your rep, send them this list of attendees. There is a lot or power in this list alone.

[Jack]

No luck from NC although I didn't expect much. They re-train the workforce away from Big Tobacco to life-saving Big Pharma and now this...

[Jeanne]

Woooohoooo Tennessee!!!

[karenatlanta]

Don't anyone worry about being duplicitous.
The more contact the better.
I have also contacted 2 reporters locally that have been favorable to us too.
Fantastic that the list just keeps growing.
Ride that election year wave and call your reps today.
Remind them who pulls the lever this November!
I have a vaccine injured child and I vote.

[Jeff Ransom]

Please add Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) Just heard from Emily in Congressman Zach Wamp's office said he will be able to attend the briefing. That is 4 Congressmen and both Senators from Tennessee, way to go Tennessee.

[Mike]

Sent Rep Jackie Speier (D CA) an e-mail last week, and followed up with a phone call yesterday. No response yet. Speier could become quite a dynamic force regarding vaccine/autism issues, hopefully, if her ties to the medical establishment don't cloud her judgment.

[Pamela]

The NAA, TACA and A-CHAMP have done a lot. I understand that the NAA sent a release to their media contacts and I also am working with David to send a few releases and follow up as well. I would be happy to email Sharyl.

[rileysmom]

Has anyone gotten ahold of anyone from the media? I talked to Steve WIlson from Michigan and asked if he can make it, he said he won't be able to get there on time but he will call someone from WJLA in Washington.
Has anyone emailed Sharyl A?

[Marc]

Just let Rep. Barbara Lee's (D-CA) office know about the briefing. One of her staff members will be attending.

Also contacted Senators Boxer and Feinstein. No reply, yet.

[Kelli Ann Davis and Ang Warner]

From the great Pacific Northwest:

Jeanne,

YOU ROCK! Keep it up!

Kelli and Ang

[Kristin]

I just got a call from Rush Holt's office. He will try to be there but it will be hectic and if he can't make it, someone else will try to be there. The person i spoke to did say that if nobody is able to make it, they will ask for the info and presentations from the event organizers. It doesn't sound promising and he is on the Autism Caucus.

[Pamela]

Add Rep Jo Bonner (R. AL) to the list. His Legislative Assistant will attend.

[Kristin]

I just got an email from Senator Lautenberg's office. He will not be able to attend but will be sure to send a staff member in his place.

[Bruce Vanicek, Middletown, RI]

Jordanna Davis, health staffer for Senator Whitehouse(RI), said "someone" would be attending representing their office. I asked for her to be more specific and I will foward that if and when I receive it.
Thanks, Bruce

[Bruce Vanicek]

Todd Adams, legislative assistant, will be attending representing Congressman Jim Langevein(RI).

[K Fuller Yuba City]

I have sent Barbara Boxer her grade from Autismfacts.com and thanked her for her great grade!
I also sent Diane Feinstein her failing grade as well as Wally Herger his D grade.
Maybe that will make them respond! Or it will make them try to change the grade before their family can see it and take away their TV privilages until they get that grade up!
I also sent the info to Arnold Schwarzenegger as this is a huge issue for our state as well.

[Diane Farr]

Hi...I followed up with my senators and represenative and they said I needed to send the e-mail to their scheduler and not to the form that was given on the governments website.

[Bruce Vanicek]

Topher Spiro, health staffer for Senator Reed(RI) will be attending. Kate Mevis, from the FDA, with whom Topher has been discussing the subject of aluminum in vaccines, will also be attending. Looks like a great opportunity. Thanks, Bruce.

[Robin Nemeth]

Rileysmom,

Call me! (440.582.4570) Or email me! (Robin@nemeths.info)

Robin Nemeth

[kim]

just as some encouragement for those of you feeling like you can't make a difference by calling and emailing...i just got this email from my congressman, i told him to take a look at his grade on autismfacts.com:

"Boy, you guys grade tough! I can’t support anything I don’t know about, and I’m still trying to get used to the fact that bills we sponsored in a prior Congress die with that Congress, and that we have to start all over again every 2 years. This makes YOUR advocacy, your reminders, and your input extremely important to ME. I can’t get that good a grade without your help. I hope I can continue to get your help, because I want a better grade (I’m never satisfied with anything less than an “A”)--"

Lip service, or not, these people cannot know about our issues if we do NOT TELL THEM!
So get busy!!!

[rileysmom]

Andrea,
Well, about the Gov thing, I didn't realize I was trying to get ahold of the Gov either till I tried. (no luck yet tho) I figured let's go all out and do this right.
There is a wonderful gentleman that is a reporter in Michigan that I sent this to this afternoon. He did a great report a few of months ago about vaccines for his local area and it wound up going all over the place and tons of people seen it. I asked if he could attend also.
I'm not just stopping at Brown or Voinovich or the Gov. I would love for even Jenny to show up for it and maybe Aiden Quinn. I wish to God I had the money to drive down there on that day. I would gladly go. I would find a babysitter come "h*** or high water". Couldn't make it to the rally so maybe this will do.
I feel by doing the phone calls and the emails, I'm not only helping my Riley but helping other kids too. I can't do much but I can type pretty quick and I have a big mouth too,lol.
Hope to talk to you soon. I don't think we live all that far from each other.

[Andrea]

Rileysmom,

Thank you for the update. Please let me know what you hear on Monday and I will do the same. I didn't know we were trying to contact the Governor about this? I have a contact person in his office. Do you belong to EOH? Please e-mail me if you do through the list and we can discuss this further.

Thanks

[Chillling Enthusiasm]

To Angela Warner -

"You also have won the "Don't make my Mommy kick your ass" AWARD! for your response to Chilling Enthusiasm."

Gee, golly. You have completely missed the point. Never mind.

[Pamela]

A tip. If you are emailing your reps via their websites, the email may not be seen for days.

Call their office. Let the person who answers know that you are calling to request attendance at the briefing. Ask permission to email the details directly to the health policy advisor and if you may speak with that person. Your goal is to get to a specific person directly.

They may direct you to a scheduler. That's probably fine. When I arranged meetings for after the rally in DC, the schedulers were great to work with and the aides called me back directly. Push for the rep. or senator to attend personally.

Also, let them know how many legislators have already confirmed attendance. Email this list with the briefing details.

[Angela Warner]

To Jeanne my wonderful friend!

You also have won the "Don't make my Mommy kick your ass" AWARD! for your response to Chilling Enthusiasm.

Look at how many Senators and Congressmen and Congresswomen are committed to attending to attending versus staffers.

This is a monumental moment for our children and future children and we should all be working our butts off to do what we know is the right thing to do! And that is to help our children!

I think YOU NEED TO take Jeanne up on her offer and make amends!

[Jeanne]

To Chilling Enthusiasm:

We are still working on contacting Senators and Reps. (it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, right?). The list of contacts is long and we are slowed by the fact that it is the weekend (although I've personally been faxing since last night and plan to follow up each fax with a call Monday).

I am sure you will see many more names added to the RSVP list Monday, Tuesday, and maybe even Wednesday - with a little bit of luck and the Grace of the Universe anyway.

Have you contacted your reps? We sure could use the help if you haven't. If you have, you could volunteer to make some calls and send some faxes to help us out. Request my email from AoA and I'll be happy to send you some names and numbers.

Thanks!

[Deborah]

I am pleased to see Senator Bob Casey (Jr) on the list of attendees. He replaced (with my help) Rick "the dick" Santorm. I am not surprised that neither Arlen Spector nor Bill Shuster are attending. They have done nada for our community.

BTW Todd Platts also sits on the Autism Caucus. At least he did when I last spoke to him.

[Pamela]

Chilling Enthusiasm

I am actually quite impressed by the list so far.

This was just announced on AoA on Thursday, so these committments were made in the first 24 hours.

[rileysmom]

Andrea,
I called yesterday to do the same thing. My original reason for calling was to ask Sen Brown if he was planning on attending in person and to thank him for RSVPing so quickly. I spoke to the lady that answers his phone (no I didn't get her name) and she said it wasn't on his schedule for the 24th. I told her I could send her the link that confirmed his RSVP and told her he was on the list to attend. She told me that she would get back to me on Monday and let me know if his plan was to send a rep. It upsets me that he is on the list for the Autism Caucus and it's still not on his schedule....duh!!! Don't put your name on a list if you don't plan on being a true activist.
When I called Voinovich's office, the gentleman I spoke to sent me thru to the voice mail of his scheduler. I left a msg and asked that she gets back to me on Monday. I also gave her the site address with the RSVP list for ageofautism.com
I haven't been able to get thru to the Gov's office yet. Have you?

[Maria Buchta]

I have emailed Christopher Shays (REP), as well as Joe Lieberman and Christopher Dodd from CT.

[Chilling enthusiasm]

Wow, just look at the list of politicians attending! Just shows exactly how much importance they give autism. No wonder us parents are in such deep doo doo :(.

I wonder exactly WHAT will give them a big shake-up.

[K Fuller Yuba City]

I have emailed Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, and Wally Herger. I have received the auto thank you from Boxer's office and that's it. I sent them all the list of confirmed attendees,to try and shame them into supporting this meeting.I also sent the info to President and Mrs. Bush, Vice Pres. and Mrs.Cheney. The secretary's of Health, Education,Defense, and Veteran's.

[Pamela]

Senatory Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) should be added to this list please. I received confirmation from his aide yesterday. I forwarded the information ot David yesterday as well.

[Andrea]

Riley's mom,

I am so glad you posted here on Ohio Senators. I tried calling Brown's office to thank him for committing to attend. I kept getting voicemail and didn't leave a message. Glad to know at this point there is nothing to thank him for. Did they at least say he would be sending a staff member? Did you get the name of the person you spoke to?

I left a message with Angie Young at Voinovich's office about the meeting. The kid/dude who answered the phone said she is the person to contact about getting someone at the meeting. (202) 224-3353

[Jena Dalpez]

For Washinton State - Dale Chung, Senator Maria Cantwell's Health Care Legislative Aide will attend, Stephanie Arnold, Senator Patty Murray's Legislative Aide has said she will do her best to be there, and I've emailed and called Congressman Inslee's Legislative Director. I'll follow-up with him again next week.

[curt Linderman sr]

is it just me or does Illinois really suck ass? not one of our reps or senators are on the autism caucus! I called Rep. hares office today (they know me real well) and talked to his aide. I also asked for him to let me know if he was going to attend. He seems to be on board the last couple of times that I've spoken with him...but we'll see.

[Tanners Dad]

You are all cordially invited to be my friend at the newest social networking site supporting Generation Rescue and Jenny McCarthy. It is my first attempt at a blog. Any help and support would be appreciated. I know many times I am a little off topic here. Now I will have my own world to explore...While still supporting Generation Rescue...
http://www.causecast.org/member/tanners-dad

[Laneysmom]

I got a call from Senator Saxby Chamblis' office this evening (R Senator, GA) and he said that a staffer would be attending.

[scarpenter]

Got an email from a staffer of Rep. LaTourette's office. (Congressman from Ohio)

"We are planning on having a staffer there, it’s on their calendar. Thanks so much for the heads up. Have a nice weekend."

[rileysmom]

Ok I called Sherrod Brown's office today to confirm if he himself was going to attend,his phone person checked his schedule and said it wasn't on his schedule. That upsets me because he is on the list for the autism caucus. I will be calling again tomorrow. I also placed a call to Sen Vionivich's office. Will call again tomorrow also.
Also, wanted everyone to know for the autism caucus members that Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones passed away a few weeks ago.

[DELETED COMMENTS! OOPS!]

Hey, Kim here. I accidentally deleted a couple of comments just now. It's hard to moderate with little hands pulling at you (what, you thought I sat in a luxury office, like at Two and a Half Park Ave. or something? Not so much.)

Feel free to resend. Sorry about that!

Kim

[Garbo]

Emailed Boxer, Feinstein and Berman (CA) but have not heard back. Am going to fax them later. I will add Waxman also since he's in the autism caucus and our local school is in his district.

[AutisticLiving.com]

I highly doubt they will show, but I have invited Senators Obama and Biden.

You can do the same at this link. The more requests they get, the greater the likelihood of them showing up.

http://scheduling.barackobama.com/cgi-bin/invitebarack.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?p_sid=uLYjEgej&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=20

Their invite page requires a phone number, so I put in Rep Maloney's DC office, which is... 202.225.7944

Cross your fingers.

[Jeanne]

Just spoke with Congressman Gary Ackerman's scheduler, Brenda. She assured me that Ackerman's Senior Legislative Assistant, and handler of all things health related, Jerrod, will be in attendance.

[Linda G. Shepard Salzer]

Not specific to this article but should be of interest to Age of Autism readers.

Issues and Proposals of Interest to Persons with Disabilities

Issues
Community Services
Community Choice Act of 2007 to provide equal access and resources for community services for persons eligible for institutional care, but who choose to remain in their homes and communities
McCain Opposed
Obama Co-Sponsor

Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act of 2007 to create a national insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide cash benefits to adults who become disabled
McCain No Position
Obama Co-Sponsor

Health Care
Expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to increase access to health care for uninsured children living in households earning up to 3 times the federal poverty level
McCain Voted No
Obama Voted Yes

Ending the Medicare Waiting Period (S. 2102) to eliminate the 2 year wait for Medicare Coverage for persons who become disabled and qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance
McCain No Position
Obama Co-Sponsor

Mental Health
Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S. 558) to require that health plans that provide medical and mental health coverage insure that mental health benefits are no more restrictive in deductibles or co-pays and no more limited in frequency or duration of services than medical benefits
McCain No Position
Obama Co-Sponsor

Autism
Combating Autism Act of 2006 to require Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a strategic plan for research, screening, intervention and education
McCain Co-Sponsor
Obama Co-Sponsor

Expanding the Promise to Individuals with Autism Act of 2007 to expand treatment, intervention and support services for individuals and families, to carry out research and demonstration programs, to expand training of professionals and to support protection, advocacy and legal services
McCain No Position
Obama Co-Sponsor

Education
Fully funding through appropriations the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide the 40% federal support for free and appropriate education for students with disabilities as authorized in the original legislation
McCain Supports
Obama Supports

Higher Education Act (S. 1642) to expand opportunities and assistance to individuals with disabilities on post secondary and higher education
McCain No Vote
Obama Co-Sponsor

Proposal
Rights
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Restoration Act to revise ADA’s definition of disability to extend protections beyond restrictions imposed in recent Supreme Court rulings, especially for people whose impairments are fully or partially managed by medications or assistive devices
McCain Supports
Obama Supports

Help America Vote Act to ensure that all polling places and voting areas are physically accessible to persons with disabilities, that voting ballots and voting procedures are accessible, including non-visual accessibility for persons with visual impairments and that election officials and poll workers are trained in promoting access and participation of persons with disabilities
McCain Voted For
Obama Voted For

UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities to include the US in an international treaty recognizing human rights for persons with disabilities consistent with principles of dignity and freedom, non-discrimination, full participation, equality of opportunity, accessibility, gender equality and the right and capacity of children to develop
McCain No Position
Obama Supports US Ratification

[Lisa Clark]

I emailed everyone the information. Wow. If these reps from California don't go I will vote their opponents in the next election.

[jeanne]

Just spoke with David Cleary at HELP Subcommittee for Children and Families in DC. He is director in the DC office and told me he handles all things special education for Senator Lamar Alexander. Although he cannot attend the briefing personally, he will do his best to have someone else from his office in attendance.

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), HELP Subcommittee for Children and Families Office - check.

[Jeanne]

Okay, here's the status from my end in TN:

Congresswoman Blackburn... emailed and called, no word back yet, will call again today.

Senator Alexander... emailed and called, no word back yet (big surprise - have you seen his rating on autismfacts.com??), will call again today.

Senator Corker... emailed and called, rec'vd email instructing me to contact the Chattanooga office, called/left message, rec'vd call instructing me to call DC, called DC, was told Corker could not attend; however, they would see what they could do to get a staffer there. Phone just rang, DC calling, and I quote, "This is Ann from Senator Corker's office... regarding the briefing next week... we are definitely going to do our best to get someone there... do you have any more information on the event?" I told her I had emailed the info. She pulled it up. Done deal! Thank you Ann!!!

[Jeanne]

Just spoke with a staffer for Congressman Lincoln Davis (TN) and was told although the Congressman has a very packed schedule for next week, the staffer will make sure to inform Congressman Davis of the briefing (they had not heard anything about it). I reminded the staffer that it would be a good idea for the Congressman to attend, being that he is a member of the Coalition for Autism Research and Education. We'll see what they come back with.

[MAUREEN]

Call all of these people they are on the Autism Caucus. They should be there!

Autism Caucus
2007- 2008 Coalition for Autism Research and Education 110th Congress
Updated 04/08/2008
180 Members
Abercrombie, Neil (HI)
Ackerman, Gary (NY)
Aderholt, Robert (AL)
Allen, Tom (ME)
Andrews, Rob (NJ)
Altmire, Jason (PA)
Baker, Richard (LA)
Baldwin, Tammy (WI)
Bartlett, Roscoe (MD)
Becerra, Xavier (CA)
Berkley, Shelly (NV)
Biggert, Judy (IL)
Blumenauer, Earl (OR)
Boozman, John (AR)
Bordallo, Madeline (GU)
Boswell, Leonard (IA)
Boucher, Rick (VA)
Brady, Robert (PA)
Brown, Corrine (FL)
Burgess, Michael (TX)
Burton, Dan (IN)
Cantor, Eric (VA)
Capito, Shelley Moore (WV)
Capps, Lois (CA)
Capuano, Michael (MA)
Cardoza, Dennis (CA)
Carnahan, Russ (MO)
Carney, Christopher (PA)
Carson, Andre (IN)
Castle, Michael (DE)
Christensen, Donna (VI)
Costello, Jerry (IL)
Cramer, Bud (AL)
Crowley, Joe (NY)
Davis, Jim (FL)
Davis, Jo-Ann (VA)
Davis, Lincoln (TN)
Davis, Susan (CA)
Davis, Tom (VA)
DeFazio, Peter (OR)
Doggett, Lloyd (TX)
Doolittle, John (CA)
Doyle, Mike (Co-Chairman) (PA)
Duncan, John (TN)
Engel, Eliot (NY)
English, Phil (PA)
Eshoo, Anna (CA)
Evans, Lane (IL)
Ferguson, Mike (NJ)
Filner, Bob (CA)
Fossella, Vito (NY)
Frank, Barney (MA)
Gallegly, Elton (CA)
Gerlach, Jim (PA)
Giffords, Gabrielle (AZ)
Gilchrest, Wayne (MD)
Gingrey, Phil (GA)
Gonzalez, Charles A. (TX)
Goode, Virgil (VA)
Goodlatte, Bob (VA)
Granger, Kay (TX)
Green, Gene (TX)
Green, Mark (WI)
Hastings, Alcee (FL)
Hinchey, Maurice (NY)
Holden, Tim (PA)
Holt, Rush (NJ)
Hooley, Darlene (OR)
Israel, Steve (NY)
Jenkins, William (TN)
Kaptur, Marcy (OH)
Kennedy, Patrick (RI)
Kildee, Dale (MI)
Kilpatrick, Carolyn Cheeks (MI)
Kind, Ron (WI)
King, Peter (NY)
Kline, John (MN)
Kirk, Mark Steven (IL)
Knollenberg, Joe (MI)
LaHood, Ray (IL)
Langevin, Jim (RI)
Lantos, Tom (CA)
Larsen, Rick (WA)
Larson, John (CT)
LaTourette, Steven (OH)
Levin, Sander (MI)
LoBiondo, Frank (NJ)
Lofgren, Zoe (CA)
Lowey, Nita (NY)
Lynch, Steven (MA)
Maloney, Carolyn (NY)
Markey, Ed (MA)
Matheson, Jim (UT)
Matsui, Doris (CA)
McCarthy, Carolyn (NY)
McCotter, Thaddeus (MI)
McGovern, Jim (MA)
McHugh, John (NY)
McKeon, Buck (CA)
McIntyre, Mike (NC)
McNulty, Michael (NY)
Meeks, Gregory (NY)
Michaud, Michael (ME)
Miller, Brad (NC)
Mollohan, Alan (WV)
Moore, Dennis (KS)
Moran, Jim (VA)
Murtha, John P. (PA)
Musgrave, Marilyn (CO)
Nadler, Jerold (NY)
Napolitano, Grace (CA)
Neal, Richard (MA)
Olver, John (MA)
Ortiz, Solomon (TX)
Pallone, Frank (NJ)
Pascrell, Bill (NJ)
Payne, Donald (NJ)
Peterson, Collin (MN)
Peterson, John (PA)
Pickering, Charles (MS)
Platts, Todd (PA)
Pomeroy, Earl (ND)
Price, David (NC)
Putnam, Adam (FL)
Rahall, Nick (WV)
Ramsted, Jim (MN)
Reyes, Silvestre (TX)
Rogers, Mike (MI)
Ros-Lehtinen, Illena (FL)
Rothman, Steve (NJ)
Ryan, Timothy (IL)
Sanchez, Linda (CA)
Sanchez, Loretta (CA)
Saxton, Jim (NJ)
Schiff, Adam (CA)
Sessions, Pete (TX)
Sestak, Joe (PA)
Shays, Christopher (CT)
Simmons, Rob (CT)
Slaughter, Louise (NY)
Smith, Chris (Co-Chairman) (NJ)
Snyder, Vic (AR)
Stupak, Bart (MI)
Tancredo, Thomas (CO)
Tauscher, Ellen (CA)
Taylor, Charles (MN)
Taylor, Gene (MS)
Terry, Lee (NE)
Thompson, Bennie (MS)
Tibieri, Pat (OH)
Tierney, John (MA)
Tubbs-Jones, Stephanie (OH)
Udall, Tom (NM)
Upton, Fred (MI)
Van Hollen, Chris (MD)
Wamp, Zach (TN)
Waxman, Henry (CA)
Weiner, Anthony (NY)
Weldon, Dave (FL)
Weller, Jerry (IL)
Wexler, Robert (FL)
Wicker, Roger (MS)
Wilson, Charlie (OH)
Wilson, Joe (SC)
Wolf, Frank (VA)
Woolsey, Lynn (CA)
Wu, David (OR)
Wynn, Al (MD)
Senator Diane Feinstein (CA)
Senator Maria Cantwell (WA)
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY)
Senator Charles Schumer (NY)
Senator Jim Talent (MO)
Senator David Vitter (LA)
Senator Johnny Isakson (GA)
Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Senator Richard Durbin (IL)
Senator Robert Menendez (NJ)
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT)
Senator Sherrod Brown (OH)
Thank you for all you are doing.

[Terri Lewis]

Thank you for keeping news of this meeting at front and center.

We still have a way to go before we have a respectable attendance here, but this a fine place to put some energy.

For those who've lost faith (or never had any) in Bush, McCain or Obama, let's keep in mind that Congress is where the laws get passed, and we do have some friends in Congress.

We also have some potential friends.

Let's see what we can do.

Terri Lewis

[Pamela]

I received commitments from Senator Isakson and Congressmen Price very shortly after sending the following. Note: I also attached Congressman Maloney's letter regarding adverse vaccine events in the military.

Of course any requests should be in your own words but I thought I would share it as it seemed to work well with my reps.

Email Follows to Congressman Price and Senators Isakson and Chambliss:

On June 4, I visited your offices following the Green our Vaccines Rally. Many developments have taken place since that date. This event presents a fabulous opportunity to prove your sincerity regarding your expressed interest in this very serious issue for the nation's children. Please let me know if you will be attending this briefing.

Also attached you'll find a letter written by Rep. Maloney addressing a recent report that conveys concerns over the high rate of vaccine reactions in the military.

Regards,
Pamela Felice

[TellMeWhereYouStand.com]

I can think of three Senators that I would like to see attend.

Certainly two that I would like to see weigh in on this issue, as well as selective vaccination.