#USA #Los Angeles #ALS Research #ALS Network #ACT for ALS

ALS Network Celebrates ACT for ALS Reauthorization

On September 28, 2026, the ALS Network marked a major milestone with the final congressional passage of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act. Following its approval by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the legislation is now poised for a presidential signature, ensuring vital programs targeting ALS research and therapy access are extended through 2031.

This bipartisan effort was championed by key figures in Congress, including Representatives Mike Quigley and Ken Calvert, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Chris Coons. Their collaborative push emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum in ALS research, crucial for those fighting against this debilitating disease. Once enacted, the reauthorization will sustain initiatives aimed at expanding access to investigational therapies and promoting active research frameworks tailored to ALS patients, particularly important for those who cannot participate in traditional clinical trials.

The significance of this legislative success is amplified by the engagement of the ALS community. Advocates, comprising individuals with ALS, their families, and caregivers, played a pivotal role in rallying support from lawmakers. Their tireless efforts through direct communication with policymakers—via meetings, emails, phone calls, and compelling personal narratives—were essential in demonstrating the urgency and necessity of the reauthorization.

Sheri Strahl, the president and CEO of ALS Network, remarked, "Final congressional passage is a major win for people living with ALS and their families, and a testament to what sustained, collective advocacy can accomplish." Her comments highlight the critical role of advocacy in shaping policies that directly affect the lives of affected individuals.

Throughout the reauthorization journey, the ALS Network has been actively involved, collaborating with congressional leaders and other national partners to influence the legislation's development. This involvement included offering policy suggestions, engaging the ALS community, and partaking in several congressional briefings and public events that promoted awareness of ALS issues. Strahl was also present at a Capitol Hill press conference, underscoring the immediate need for legislative action prior to the impending expiration of the current authorization on September 30, 2026.

The passage of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act is more than just a legislative victory; it is a commitment to ensuring ongoing support for the treatment and research of ALS. As a disorder characterized by rapidly progressive degeneration, the urgency for effective treatments cannot be overstated. Continued funding and resources will not only benefit ALS patients but also positively impact research for other rare neurodegenerative conditions.

Looking forward, the ALS Network eagerly anticipates the President's formal endorsement of the reauthorization, which will facilitate uninterrupted continuity in critical programs for ALS advocacy and research.

About the ALS Network

The ALS Network is an organization dedicated to accelerating the discovery of effective treatments and cures for ALS while ensuring that those affected by the disease receive comprehensive care and support. Formerly known as ALS Golden West, the ALS Network serves individuals with ALS and their families across California, Hawaii, and beyond. For further information on ALS and the services offered by the ALS Network, please visit alsnetwork.org or connect with us on social media at @yourALSnetwork.