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October 10, 2025 | Vol. MMXXV | Issue 133
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In this edition:
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Appropriations |
The federal government is still shut down, with no clear path to reopening. Congress needs to pass either a full-year appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2026 or a continuing resolution (CR) to continue to fund the government at current spending levels for a shorter amount of time. On October 9, the Senate voted for the seventh time on the Republicans' CR and on the separate Democrats' CR. There were not enough votes for either CR, so neither one passed. These two CRs both would temporarily fund the government at fairly similar funding levels—Republicans' CR through November 21 and Democrats' CR through October 31. Democrats' CR would reverse the Medicaid cuts in H.R.1 (the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed into law by Republicans through the reconciliation process) and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.
The only Democratic Senators to vote for the Republicans' CR were John Fetterman (PA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), as well as Independent Angus King (ME), who caucuses with Democrats. Republican Senator Rand Paul (KY) continues to vote against that CR, so Republicans need a total of eight Democrats to vote for it to pass. No Republicans voted for the Democratic CR. Democrats want a deal on the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans want to open the government first.
Meanwhile, several news outlets are reporting on a draft White House memo that says furloughed federal workers aren’t necessarily entitled to back pay once the government reopens. In past government shutdowns and according to the previous interpretations of the law, federal
workers are paid for the time that they were furloughed once the shutdown ends. The President has indicated that some federal workers might get paid and some might not. He said that the Administration is "only cutting Democrat programs." He didn’t specify which programs those were. The White House has started additional reductions in force (RIFs) in the federal government today—including in the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services—that are being challenged in the courts.
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Key Takeaways |
There is very little trust between political parties on Capitol Hill right now. There are some Republican Senators interested in extending the ACA premium tax credits who say they would work with Democrats to do so once they vote for the Republican CR and open the government. However, Democrats say they do not trust that Republicans will come back to the table to negotiate on a healthcare deal after the Republican CR is passed and that health insurance companies are currently determining 2026 rates, so an ACA tax credit extension must be in the CR itself.
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Plain Language |
The government is shut down right now. This means that government departments and agencies are not working. The government shut down because Congress did not pass a spending bill on time. The deadline was September 30. Congress needed to pass a government spending bill to make sure the government is funded in 2026, which is also called "appropriations." Appropriations means money that is set aside by Congress for a particular use.
The Senate voted seven times on two different bills. These bills are called continuing resolutions or a CR, which is a funding bill that makes sure the government has enough money for a few more months. Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced a CR that Democrats in Congress didn't like. Democrats in the House and Senate introduced their own CR, which Republicans didn’t like. That's why the Senate has voted seven times but has not voted to pass either CR. The only Democratic Senators to vote for the Republicans' CR were John Fetterman (PA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), as well as Independent Angus King (ME), who usually makes similar decisions as Democrats. Republican Senator Rand Paul (KY) is also voting against the Republican CR. No
Republicans are voting for the Democrats' CR. Republicans and Democrats in Congress are blaming each other for not being able to fund the government and causing the shutdown.
The President and other people at the White House are in charge of what happens during a government shutdown. They are saying that they might not pay government workers for the time that the government was shut down. During a government shutdown, government workers don't get paid. They have to wait until the government opens up again. This time, the President and people at the White House are saying that they might not pay people at all, even when they get back. The President also said he wanted to cut "Democrat programs" during the shutdown. Government programs aren't Democratic or Republican, but sometimes Democrats like certain programs and Republicans like other ones. The White House has started firing people from different government agencies, including
in the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Republicans and Democrats in Congress do not trust each other right now. Democrats really want to make sure that people can continue to save money on healthcare using something called "tax credits." Many people are able to pay less for healthcare every month by using tax credits. A tax credit is an amount of money that people can save when they file their taxes. Usually, they are a reward from the federal government. For example, if the federal government wants more people to get health insurance, they might offer a tax credit to people who get health insurance. The Affordable Care Act has special tax credits that will end on December 31, 2025. Democrats want to make sure that people can still use these tax credits in the future so they can save money and
afford healthcare. Some Republicans are interested in working on this problem but they want to reopen the government first. Democrats don't trust that Republicans will still work on it after the government opens, so they want this issue to be included in a CR.
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Department of Health of Human Services |
Autism - During a Cabinet meeting on October 9, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. called the rise in autism diagnoses in recent decades a "national security issue," saying that there is "nothing more important." Secretary Kennedy made claims that are not supported by research and stated that children who are circumcised are more likely to develop autism "likely because they’re given Tylenol." These claims are not supported by evidence. He reiterated his claims that women taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) prenatally causes autism, and that a pregnant mother who takes Tylenol during pregnancy is "irresponsible" and putting "her baby at risk."
In response, President Trump claimed that there was something "artificially induced" that led to the increase in autism and suggested that the number of vaccines children receive has something to do with it. He repeated advice that is unsubstantiated by science which he had made in his previous press conference on September 22—that pregnant women shouldn't take Tylenol and babies shouldn’t receive Tylenol.
Vaccines - On October 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed off on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations to make changes to various vaccine guidance. This includes:
The MMRV vaccine—measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (also known as chickenpox). Previously, it was recommended for children to get their first dose of the vaccine at age 12-15 months and the second dose at age 4-6 years. The panel voted to advise that the MMRV vaccine not be administered to children younger than four years old. They also voted to advise that children receive the vaccines separately—one for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and one for varicella, or chickenpox. The panel voted to change the current coverage for the MMRV vaccine under the federal government's Vaccines for Children program. This means that the program will no longer cover this vaccine for the younger children not included in the recommendation, so parents who want and are not able to pay for a vaccine will be turned away.
The COVID vaccine—the panel voted to remove the blanket recommendation that adults and older adults should get a COVID vaccine, and instead recommend the use of "individual decision-making" for people to decide whether they will get the vaccine. This means they are recommending people speak with a
clinician about the risks and benefits of getting the vaccine instead of assuming that they should get it. The panel voted against advising states and localities to require a prescription for COVID vaccines. This past week, ACIP updated its website to include pregnant women in their guidance for adults getting the COVID vaccine. This changes Secretary Kennedy’s recommendation from May saying that COVID shots are not recommended for pregnant women.
ACIP has released a new purpose document outlining the establishment of a work group that will review the childhood vaccine schedule. The Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule Workgroup under ACIP will review the safety and efficacy of the current vaccine schedule timing and ingredients, including aluminum.
Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill called on "vaccine manufacturers to develop safe monovalent vaccines to replace the combined MMR and 'break up the MMR shot into three totally separate shots.'" Director O’Neill cited President Trump's advice that the MMR shot should be broken up into separate shots. During the press conference last month, the President had said about the MMR vaccine, "It seems to be that when you mix them, there could be a problem," and said that there was no downside in taking those vaccines separately.
Surgeons General Opinion Piece - On October 7, the Washington Post published an op-ed written by six former surgeons general who served under both Democratic and Republican Administrations. The surgeons general write that they "are compelled to speak with one voice to say that the actions of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are endangering the health of the nation." They cite Secretary Kennedy's incorrect, repeated claims that vaccines cause autism, his recent work to link prenatal use of
acetaminophen and autism, and his promotion of misinformation about the COVID vaccine.
Six surgeons general: It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr.
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Key Takeaways |
Autism - Research has not proven that there is a causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism. Speaking about autism and autistic people this way while amplifying debunked science about the causes of autism is dangerous and ignorant. It furthers harmful and ableist perceptions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while shutting out the voices of autistic individuals and ignoring their perspectives. Read AUCD's statement on the White House’s initial announcement on Tylenol and autism here and a statement from leading autism and disability organizations, including AUCD, here.
Vaccines - These changes from the CDC have concerned public health advocates in multiple ways. The new MMR advice effectively eliminates the option for parents to choose a combination measles and chickenpox vaccine for young children. Some doctors have said that separating these vaccines would just make them more expensive and less likely to be used. Some vaccine makers have similarly said that the combined vaccine is more effective and efficient. Overall, many doctors and public health experts have said that
there is no scientific justification for calling for separate shots. Changing the childhood vaccine schedule could lead to fewer children getting vaccinated against preventable diseases and poses a huge risk for certain immunocompromised and disabled children who could be more susceptible to contracting these diseases. ACIP's establishment of this new working group follows the patterns that we have seen over Secretary Kennedy’s tenure as the head of HHS, as noted in analysis from this Politico
article: "Anti-vaccine activists have long blamed aluminum for rising cases of autism and chronic conditions like allergies despite substantial evidence refuting a link."
Additionally, shifting guidelines and a weaker endorsement of COVID vaccines could result in fewer adults getting a vaccine, which could disproportionately affect people with disabilities—especially people who are immunocompromised or use assistive technology to help them
breathe. It might even be harder for people to get COVID shots depending on where they live, because some states might use the weaker recommendation as a reason to not cover the vaccines, making vaccination a financial choice for people.
States including California, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York are starting to move away from relying on the federal government's guidance on vaccines. Read more in this past issue of Disability Policy News.
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Plain Language |
Autism - During a meeting with government leaders on October 9, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and President Trump said some things about autism.
Secretary Kennedy mentioned that there are a lot more people with autism today than there used to be in the past. He said this was a "national security issue" which means that he thinks that autism could affect whether America is safe or not. This is not respectful of autistic people. It makes it sound like they are dangerous, but autism does not make people dangerous.
Secretary Kennedy said that children who have a circumcision are more likely to have autism. This is not true. A circumcision is a kind of surgery on a penis.
Secretary Kennedy said that one of the causes of autism is when pregnant women take acetaminophen, which is a medicine that helps with pain and fevers. Acetaminophen is also called Tylenol sometimes. This isn't true, and a lot of doctors have said that the administration was wrong about this.
President Trump said there was something "artificial" about the increase in autism. Artificial means not natural. He agreed with Secretary Kennedy about acetaminophen and autism.
President Trump said that vaccines could cause autism, but that is not true. Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are shots that help stop people from getting really sick. You can read a plain language resource about vaccines and autism from the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) here.
Talking about autism as if it is a horrible disease is not respectful to autistic people. Autism is a developmental disability — and disability is natural. Autism is something people are born with. You can read a statement from AUCD, ASAN, and other organizations that work on autism and disability policy here.
Vaccines - ACIP is a group of people who help the government make choices about vaccines. Vaccines are shots that keep people from getting sick. ACIP had a meeting September 18 and 19 to decide if they will make changes to the federal government's vaccine advice. Then, the person in charge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signed off on the changes that ACIP made. Now they are official.
ACIP decided to change the vaccine advice about COVID vaccines. The government used to say that adults should definitely get the COVID vaccine. Now, they are saying that people should talk to a doctor before getting a vaccine. People might be confused about this advice, and they might not get a vaccine. This could be bad for people with disabilities, especially people who have a disability that makes it easier for them to get sick or people who use a device to help them breathe.
They also decided to change the vaccine advice about vaccines that stop people from getting a few diseases, including measles and chickenpox. They said children should wait until they are 4 years old to get the vaccine for these diseases. This could be dangerous for children who might get the diseases before they turn 4 years old. CDC wants to make it so that instead of one shot for a few different diseases, there are separate shots. This could make it harder for parents and children to get all the shots they need.
ACIP is going to look at changing the childhood vaccine schedule. The childhood vaccine schedule is an official list of what vaccines children should get and when they should get them. They want to look at the timing of vaccines and the ingredients, or different things in vaccines. There are people who are still saying that certain ingredients in vaccines might cause autism, but that is not true, and there has been a lot of research showing that it is not true.
Some states including California, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York are showing that they don't trust the government's guidance on vaccines. Read more in this past issue of Disability Policy News.
Surgeons General Opinion Piece - On October 7, the Washington Post published an article that was written by six people who used to be the Surgeon General of the United States. The Surgeon General is an important job in the federal government. It is the person who is in charge of the United States’ public health service, which is a part of the government that gives advice on how Americans should stay healthy. They are usually a doctor who can give medical advice. These six former surgeons general worked for both
Republican Presidents and Democratic Presidents. They all agreed that Secretary Kennedy is putting Americans' health in danger and that he is saying incorrect things about vaccines, autism, and COVID.
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Supreme Court Case on Intellectual Disability
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The Supreme Court is slated to hear a case that hinges on whether or not a diagnosis of intellectual disability should be based on more than an IQ score. The case, Hamm v. Smith, seeks to determine if a person who was convicted of capital murder in Alabama has an intellectual disability. After he was convicted, Joseph Clifton Smith's death sentence was vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama because they concluded that he is intellectually disabled. Smith had
taken five IQ tests, with scores no higher than 72. The state of Alabama says that because his scores were not lower than 70, he is still eligible for execution. Smith’s lawyers say that because his scores were low, he could still be considered intellectually disabled based on other evidence.
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Key Takeaways |
This case looks at the question of whether or not IQ alone can determine intellectual disability (ID). ID is relevant in this case because the Supreme Court has already established (in Atkins v. Virginia) that executing someone with an intellectual disability is cruel and unusual punishment and violates the Eighth Amendment. The Arc of the United States, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and the National Disability Rights Network filed an amicus brief in the case outlining the long history of scientific research pointing to other ways to diagnose ID. They are "urging the court to rely on
an established clinical framework in determining intellectual disability. This approach evaluates whether a person has significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning that arose before adulthood."
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Plain Language |
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. They are going to look at a case to see if intellectual disability can be decided on an IQ score. An IQ score is a number that you get when you take a test to see how smart you are.
In Alabama, a person with a low IQ score committed a murder. Some people say that this low IQ score is not low enough to say that the person has an intellectual disability. Alabama law says that the government can legally kill someone who commits certain crimes, such as murder. The murderer’s lawyers say that he has an IQ score that is low enough to say that he has an intellectual disability. They say that because he has an intellectual disability, he should not be killed. The Supreme Court is going to decide whether or not IQ can be the only way to prove someone has an intellectual disability or not. Some disability organizations say there are many other ways to prove someone has an intellectual disability or not.
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AUCD Story Collection |
AUCD is collecting stories from the Network on a variety of topics to amplify the effects of this Administration on real people and our programs. If you have a story, we want to hear it.
We are interested in stories about:
Medicaid and its impact on people's lives
The impact of dismantling ACL
The important work of UCEDDs, LENDs, IDDRCs, PNS’s, DD Councils, P&As
The impact of zeroing out UCEDDs, LENDs, IDDRCs, PNS’s, DD Councils, P&As
Impact of grants that are being cut
Stories responding to RFK Jr.’s claims about autism or the autism registry
You can use this link to provide information and let us know if you are comfortable sharing your story with Members of Congress and their staff.
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AUCD Policy Blog |
AUCD invites Network members to fill out this form if you’re interested in writing for the AUCD policy blog. We are open to a variety of issues areas, and we will follow up with you as relevant issues come up that we’d like you to write about.
Check out our most recent blog post by Theo Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living about the 52nd anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act - The Game Changer: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
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Disability Policy For All with Liz |
Join Liz on Instagram Reels, where she provides plain language updates on policy, highlighting current issues and hot topics in federal disability policy.
Liz Weintraub is AUCD's Senior Advocacy Specialist and the host of "Disability Policy for All with Liz." She has extensive experience practicing leadership in self-advocacy and has held many board and advisory positions at state and national organizations, including the Council on Quality & Leadership (CQL) and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
Watch the most recent Disability Policy for All with Liz video – Exploring IDEA Part C Featuring Carrie Gillispie from New America.
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Words to Know
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Appropriations
This is money that is set aside by Congress for a particular use. The appropriations process happens once a year. Money is sometimes requested by the President’s Administration or by Congress for a specific use.
Continuing Resolution
This is an agreement to fund the government for a short amount of time. This agreement usually lasts for less than a year. It is sometimes called a ‘CR.’
Tax Credit
A tax credit is an amount of money that people can save when they file their taxes. Usually, they are a reward from the federal government. For example, if the federal government wants more people to get health insurance, they might offer a tax credit to people who get health insurance.
Government Shutdown
When there is a government shutdown, government departments and agencies are not working. This happens when Congress does not pass a funding bill on time, usually when Republicans and Democrats don’t agree on how to fund the government. During a government shutdown, some people will keep working, especially if they keep people safe.
Acetaminophen
This is a medicine that helps with pain and fevers. Acetaminophen is also called Tylenol sometimes.
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