ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act Passed by Congress
News related to:ALS Network · 1 min read
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Today, ALS Network celebrated a significant milestone as the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026 (H.R. 8205) passed both chambers of Congress. This bipartisan legislation, which was led by Representatives Mike Quigley and Ken Calvert in the House and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Chris Coons in the Senate, is now headed to the President’s desk for signature. Once signed, the reauthorization will extend key ACT for ALS programs through 2031, ensuring continued progress in ALS research, shared research infrastructure, and expanded access to investigational therapies.
The reauthorization effort was a collaborative effort, with ALS Network playing a pivotal role. The organization engaged with congressional leaders, mobilized the ALS community, and provided policy recommendations.
ALS Network's engagement throughout the process was crucial. The organization worked directly with congressional leaders, brought advocates to Capitol Hill, and participated in public events supporting reauthorization.
The ACT for ALS program established a patient-centered approach to accelerate progress on two urgent fronts: advancing research and expanding access to investigational therapies for people who are unable to participate in traditional clinical trials. These programs are particularly important for a rapidly progressive disease like ALS, where time is limited and effective treatment options remain few.
The reauthorization comes just before the current authorization is set to expire on September 30, 2026. Extending the programs will help prevent disruption to evidence-generating expanded access, natural history and biomarker research, shared data resources, and coordination across the ALS research community. The law also supports work benefiting people with other rare neurodegenerative diseases.
ALS Network is now looking forward to the President signing the reauthorization into law, ensuring that this critical work can continue without interruption. The organization remains committed to driving the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and cures for ALS, providing access to quality care and connection, and promoting initiatives to improve health outcomes for those affected by the disease.