Congress Passes Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, Delivering a Devastating Blow to ALS Research

Answer ALS is deeply alarmed and disappointed by Congress’ passage of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, which includes devastating cuts to ALS research funding.

For years, funding for ALS research has grown steadily thanks to bipartisan support and the tireless efforts of the ALS community. These hard-fought increases have fueled groundbreaking progress in understanding ALS, developing new treatments, fostering new technologies, and moving closer to a cure. Now, that progress is at risk.

Under this legislation:

• The Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) for ALS will be slashed by nearly 60%, cutting $40 million in funding that directly supports life-saving research.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the largest sources of ALS research funding, will lose more than $250 million this fiscal year, jeopardizing critical studies that aim to slow, stop, and ultimately cure ALS.

These cuts will set back ALS research by years, delaying potential treatments and diminishing hope for those living with this devastating disease. The ALS community has fought too hard for this progress to be undone.

We urge Congress to reverse these reckless cuts and restore full funding for ALS research. We remain committed to advocating for strong, bipartisan investment in ALS research, ensuring that science is given every opportunity to deliver breakthroughs and, ultimately, a cure.

We cannot afford to go backward. Congress must take action to protect ALS research. Lives depend on it.