The following is a transcript of the letter I just wrote to Joe Barton (R-TX), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who's holding up The Combating Autism Act. That bill was passed unanimously in the Senate and Joe Barton is the only man keeping it from going to the House floor for debate and a vote.
Dear Congressman Barton,
My family and I must struggle each day with the scourge of Autism. You see, my younger brother is afflicted with this terrible disorder. We struggle each day and around the clock just to help him get educated, to keep his behavior manageable, and to teach as best as he can understand the skills he'll need for life.
We see tremendous hope for those afflicted with this illness in The Combating Autism Act of 2005. It would provide $860 million for research into the causes and possible cures for Autism. The Senate bill passed unanimously as you already know and now it's time to finish the job in the House.
Congressman Barton, you are the only man in the world standing in the way of hope for thousands of families around the world just like mine. You said in a recent statement that you support combating Autism but think we should let scientists determine the priorities not politicians and "activists".
Shame on you, Congressman! We are not activists! We are brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunt & uncles, and grandparents all struggling in the face of obstruction by a corrupt official such as yourself.
You have a long record of protecting special interests so I am not surprised by your most recent actions. You're always there for Big Telecom, Big Oil, and Big Pharma when they need you and this is no exception. I hope you can find it in your heart, just this once, to help those who your actions are harming and let the full House debate The Combating Autism Act.
Sincerely,
(My name here)
What do you say we show Barton's opponent, Fighting Dem David Harris some love? http://www.followmetodc.com