With no time to spare, federal lawmakers approved a renewal of the nation’s primary autism law, paving with the way for over $1.95 billion in spending to address the developmental disability in the coming years.

President Joe Biden signed a five-year extension of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support, or Autism CARES, Act late last month. The move came days after the measure, which originated in 2006, expired.

The law allocates federal funding for research, prevalence tracking, screening, professional training and other government activities related to autism.

“I know this legislation will help make a huge difference in the lives of the millions of Americans with autism by providing robust funding for durable remedies as well as effective early detection and intervention services to allow them the highest quality of life possible,” the law’s chief sponsor, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said on the House floor.

The renewal, which garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, ensures that a myriad of federal autism activities will continue while also adding some new priorities. Specifically, the law directs the National Institutes of Health to back research that reflects the full range of people on the autism spectrum including those with co-occurring conditions and various needs for support and it adds an emphasis on studying autism and aging. The number of NIH Centers of Excellence will increase and the agency will be required to produce an annual budget plan for autism research for the first time.

In addition, the law includes efforts to promote the adoption of assistive communication and it calls for a government report looking at how to grow the number of developmental behavioral pediatricians as well as an update to a report focused on youth aging out of school.

Robyn Linscott, director of family and education policy at The Arc of the United States, called the renewal of the autism law “a critical step forward in addressing the needs of people with disabilities.”

“The Autism CARES Act goes far beyond funding — it’s a commitment to ensuring better futures for millions,” she said. “From early intervention services that help young children grow and learn, to programs addressing the growing gaps in adult services, this legislation moves us closer to ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.”