Bipartisan ALS Caucus Seeks to Find Cure for ALS, Which Could Unlock the Key to Many Neurological Diseases
WASHINGTON - Today, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Kevin Calvert (R-CA) relaunched the ALS Caucus for the 117th Congress.
The ALS caucus, first formed by the lawmakers in 2019, brings lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to share experiences, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The caucus was established with the help of I AM ALS and many ALS advocacy groups, including The ALS Association.
“I am proud to, once again, be leading the ALS Caucus with my fellow Co-Chairs Representatives Calvert, Crow, and Sewell in the 117th Congress. Our bipartisan caucus brings together members from both sides of the aisle to work and fight together in finding a cure for this debilitating disease," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “In the United States, there are approximately 5,000 new ALS diagnoses a year, each one bringing a new set of challenges, difficulties, and heartbreak to families across the country. These families need us to act as their voice in Congress and show our support on the federal level by providing a renewed focus on funding groundbreaking research and lifesaving treatment options."
“ALS has impacted millions of American families, including veterans, who are twice as likely to suffer from the disease, ” said Rep. Jason Crow. “15 Americans are diagnosed with ALS every day and we owe it to them and their families to fight for a cure. My colleagues and I will continue to find a path forward through increased funding for scientific research and lifesaving treatments.”
“Every 90 minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with ALS and another person passes away from it. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the effects of this debilitating disease for those now experiencing barriers to available treatment options,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “As co-chair of the ALS Caucus, I will do everything in my power to ensure patients and their families have the resources they need to access adequate care and, eventually, a cure.”
“I continue to be inspired by the determination and courage of the entire ALS community. I’m proud to serve as an ALS Caucus Co-Chair and work together with my colleagues and all ALS stakeholders to advocate for treatments and cures. We will end ALS through our collective efforts and determination,” said Rep. Ken Calvert.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the body’s motor neurons, causing decreased mobility and eventually leads to death. The ALS Caucus seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ALS patients and their families, think creatively about policy solutions to reduce the negative impacts of ALS, and invest in groundbreaking research to end ALS.
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