Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, "at ASHA's urging, introduced legislation supporting the goals and recognition of BHSM. House Concurrent Resolution (H.Con.Res.) 352 was introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), co-chair of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus, and Senate Concurrent Resolution (S.Con.Res.) 83 was introduced by Senator Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY).

Both resolutions recognize the importance of speech and hearing services for all age groups in the United States, including those who have experienced hearing loss, speech-language disorders, and traumatic brain injury.(continued)

The resolutions also urge increased coordination of community-based, comprehensive care for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, athletes, and accident victims who have experienced hearing and speech deficiencies as a result of traumatic brain injury. They commend the forty-six states that have implemented routine newborn hearing screening before leaving the hospital under state-wide programs for early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI).

The resolutions have been referred to committees of jurisdiction for further consideration before being voted on the by the House and Senate. ASHA members are encouraged to contact their members of Congress and request that they co-sponsor these resolutions.
For BSHM resources for public and professionals, visit ASHA's website:
http://www.asha.org/bhsm/