As the 118th session of the U.S. Congress concludes, FASD United is profoundly appreciative of the dedicated efforts made to advance the FASD Respect Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at improving support and resources for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), strengthening the federal response to a disability that impacts millions nationwide.  

While Congress did not enact the FASD Respect Act during the 118^th session, the critical issues facing the FASD community were included in more conversations among lawmakers than ever before, as we saw record participation in our regular policy calls and our annual Hill Day in Washington, DC.  We are confident in our path toward the Respect Act becoming law in the upcoming Congress. 

This Congressional session marked historic progress for federal FASD legislation, with House and Senate committees approving FASD Respect Act language. This milestone represents the furthest that federal FASD legislation has advanced in over 20 years, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of addressing FASD at the national level.  This progress was made possible by the tireless advocacy of the FASD community, including the countless self-advocates and families passionate about moving the field forward. 

The FASD Respect Act seeks to enhance public awareness, improve access to diagnostic services, provide family support, and strengthen community-based systems of care for individuals with FASD. It has garnered widespread support from families, medical professionals, and community organizations; hundreds of national and local organizations endorsed the bill, joining the 59 cosponsors in the House and 13 in the Senate.  This support reflects the growing impact of FASD United’s Policy and Training Center and its dedicated leadership. 

FASD United extends its heartfelt gratitude to the bill’s sponsors, co-sponsors, and advocates nationwide who have worked tirelessly to champion this cause. Special thanks go to the bill’s authors, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Amy Klobuchar, and Representatives Don Bacon and Betty McCollum, for their leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the FASD Respect Act. 

As FASD United prepares for the 119th Congress in 2025, it calls on all advocates and supporters to reflect on the progress made and their incredible impact on creating an FASD-informed society. Join us on January 29th for the first policy forum of the year, where we will review a timeline of the 119th Congress and detail our path forward for advancing FASD advocacy. 

For more information about FASD United and the ongoing efforts to advance the FASD Respect Act, visit https://fasdunited.org/policy-center/ or contact Chris Melfi (melfi@fasdunited.org).