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 Read more
One way advocates can make a powerful impact is through consistent communication with their legislators. Calling, meeting with, and emailing your legislators deepens their understanding of FASD and build trust. Lawmakers want to hear from constituents and from experts in fields they may not be familiar with — and that Read more
A crucial piece of effective FASD advocacy is understanding the budget process for the U.S. Federal Government and how FASD fits into it. The federal budget is not just a listing of numbers; it is an overview of the priorities of the President (executive branch) and the Congress (legislative branch). Read more
With FASD provisions passing through the House as part of the SUPPORT Act, there is a need to build on momentum and ensure the Senate promptly takes action and enacts this critically important legislation. Please consider contacting your two Senators to request a meeting, urging them to join the FASD Read more
May 22, 2025 FASD United is proud to stand in solidarity with 270 other national, state, and local organizations in signing the May 13, 2025, letter addressed to leadership of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. This joint statement Read more
Thank you to everyone who has already voiced their support of the FASD Respect Act by sending a letter to your members of Congress. We ask advocates to email or mail letters to FASD United that we can hand deliver to Senators and Representatives. This shows that the FASD Respect Read more
Your voice and experience are needed now more than ever. From November 12th to November 15th, we are calling on advocates from across the country to participate in Virtual Hill Week and push for the passage of the FASD Respect before the 118th Congress wraps up at the end of Read more
Thank you to Senator Maria Cantwell [D-WA] for becoming the most recent co-sponsor of S.1800, the FASD Respect Act. The bill now has 12 co-sponsors in the Senate to compliment the 51 co-sponsors in the House. Senator Brian Schatz is now the only co-sponsor of the 117th Congress bill to Read more
Before jumping into policy, Tom Donaldson, FASD United President and CEO reminded everyone of the upcoming International Research Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. This will be the 9th year of the conference, which was previously held in Vancouver. We hope you can join us in Read more
Rep. Lori Trahan [D-MA-3] is the newest cosponsor of HR.3946, the FASD Respect, making her the third Congressperson from Massachusetts to cosponsor the bill. Advocates Kristen Erikson and Reuben Kittrell of massFAS, with the help of parents also from the state, have led the advocacy efforts in Massachusetts. The FASD Read more