Advocates across the country have worked together over the past five years to ensure that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are recognized by the federal government. With the passage of the FASD Respect Act, that recognition is here, but now we must make sure this attention turns into FASD-informed supports for individuals and families in your communities. This next phase of advocacy will be focused on ensuring the programs authorized by the FASD Respect Act are implemented in a way that is equitable and sustainable. We can all do this by advocating for increased appropriations for FASD programs.
Congress has authorized, or formally allowed, FASD programs to be created or updated. Now, the appropriations process will determine how much money is allocated to these programs. This gives us all a chance to demonstrate the need for greater funding.
Coordinated National Approach
To support this next phase of advocacy, FASD United is preparing programmatic appropriations requests to increase funding for programs authorized under the FASD Respect Act. Each year, certain Members of Congress accept requests for increased funding for specific programs authorized by law. Members of Congress will then review the requests they receive and decide which programs they want to champion during the appropriations process.
This is different from community project funding requests, sometimes referred to as earmarks, which are funding request for a specific organization or project in your community.
To increase visibility, show national coordination, and reduce the burden on state organizations, FASD United plans to submit programmatic appropriations requests to Members of Congress on behalf of FASD United Affiliate members and partner organizations. This will make sure that as many Members of Congress as possible receive the same request language, which communicates the urgency inherent in bolstering our FASD systems.
Increasing funding for FASD Respect Act programs is how we turn policy into practice.
How You Can Help
FASD United Affiliates and Other Organizations
If you are a representative of an FASD United Affiliate Network Member or other organization, you can help by completing this short form. The form will gather information like:
- The need for improved FASD services in your state or community
- How increased federal funding could strengthen local FASD capacity
- Existing FASD organizations or projects in your state or community
Each response requires only 3-5 sentences and will provide the essential information needed to show the unique needs in your community. FASD United will take care of the technical work (citing current statutes, providing history of FASD funding, determining which Members are accepting requests, formally submitting requests, and anything else that may be considered “lobbying”).
This is how we make sure that the work this community did to pass the FASD Respect Act turns into real results in your states.
Members of Congress will roll out their appropriation request forms early in January 2026, so we ask that you submit your form no later than January 15, 2026.
Advocates
Individual advocates, or anyone who does not represent an FASD United Affiliate Member or other organization, can make an impact by informing their legislators of the need for FASD funding. While appropriations requests almost always need to be submitted by an organization, you can still play an enormous role by contacting and meeting with your two Senators and your Representative. Make sure they know the FASD Respect Act has been signed into law and how your state would benefit from increased funding for FASD.
Why This Moment Matters
The passage of the FASD Respect Act created the first opportunity in 20 years to update the federal and state response to FASD. However, authorization alone does not guarantee that supports and services will make it into all of our communities. Without the necessary funding, the intent and promise of the FASD Respect Act cannot be fully realized.
This appropriations cycle is the first chance to make sure that FASD programs receive the attention and funding they deserve. This is the moment to make sure FASD programs are ready and able to serve individuals and families across the country.
Call to Action
FASD United Affiliates and Other Organizations
Complete the appropriations questionnaire form, allowing FASD United to submit requests on behalf of both of our organizations.
Advocates
Ask your two Senators and your Representative to meet to discuss how funding FASD will impact your state.
Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
