With the Autism CARES Act set to expire later this year, a bill introduced in Congress would reauthorize the legislation for another five years. (Evan Golub/Zuma Press/TNS)

Bills to reauthorize the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support (CARES) Act were introduced last week in both chambers of Congress. They would appropriate more than $1 billion for federal agencies to continue research programs, education campaigns, housing support and other initiatives. This version of the Autism CARES Act explicitly broadens federal focus to supporting individuals with autism across the lifespan.