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Washington, DC – Today, legislation introduced by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) received a vote in the House of Representatives. H.R. 1344, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2015, was passed unanimously.  

H.R. 1344 will reauthorize the federal program for hearing screenings and intervention for newborn babies.

“I was proud to lead this important effort to ensure our children receive the screenings and follow-up care they need,” said Congressman Guthrie.   “Through early intervention, these young children can receive the treatment and services they need to prevent developmental delays.”

“This is critical because the incidence of hearing loss triples between birth and five years of age and this bill allows us to identify this group of children as well, and intervene so that they enter our schools ready to learn,” wrote Patti Freemyer Martin, M.D., Director of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in testimony prepared for a June hearing on the bill.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this bill become law so these critical services can continue for families across the country,” added Congressman Guthrie.  

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