Quigley's Bill Reauthorizing ALS Research Funding Signed into Law

November 9, 2026 Press Release On November 3, 2026, Chicago Congressman Mike Quigley ’s bill—the Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act (ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act) of 2026— was signed into law. Led by Representatives Quigley (IL-05) and Ken Calvert (CA-41) in the House and Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) in the Senate, the law renews programs from the 2021 ACT for ALS Law. “For the past five years, the ACT for ALS has advanced scientific research and helped people with ALS access the promising treatments they need. This reauthorization of the bill continues that work and lends hope to a future where there is a cure for ALS,” said Congressman Quigley. “I'm glad this important bill was signed into law, and I’m thankful to my colleagues in both the House and the Senate for getting this done.” “I'm thrilled that the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act has been signed into law, renewing our commitment to finding cures and treatments for ALS,” said Rep. Calvert. “As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan ALS Caucus, I know just how hard those impacted by ALS have worked to get this bill enacted and I applaud their tireless advocacy. With the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act officially signed into law, we celebrate this victory while remaining focused on the work ahead to end this terrible disease.” The ACT for ALS Reauthorization Law will codify the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of Expanded Access Program eligibility guidelines and require the FDA to create a new 5-year Action Plan for rare neurodegenerative diseases. It will also continue to advance scientific understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and help Americans living with ALS access promising new treatments. This legislation has been endorsed by I AM ALS, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the ALS Association, and the ALS Network. “Over the past 7+ years, this community has changed what's possible in ALS,” said I AM ALS co-founder Brian Wallach. “The I AM ALS community's leadership has brought us closer than ever to a cure by unlocking over $2 billion for federal ALS research, expanding and protecting access to life-changing therapies, and accelerating scientific breakthroughs. We thank our ALS congressional champions—including sponsors Senators Coons (D-DE) and Murkowski (R-AK) and Representatives Quigley (D-IL-05) and Calvert (R-CA-41)—and all the tireless advocates who helped renew this historic legislation for five more years.” “These past months didn't just get a critical bill passed; they inspired a community that continually renews itself, welcomes new advocates, develops new leaders, and ensures that every generation is ready to fight for the next breakthrough,” said Troy Fields, volunteer co-chair of the I AM ALS legislative affairs team, and person living with ALS. “ALS is relentless, but we continue to prove so are we.” “We must accelerate research and technology to help make ALS livable and cure it. To every advocate who walked into a congressional office and wouldn't leave without a commitment: you did this. To the families who shared their hardest moments, so other families might have more time: you did this,” said Calaneet Balas, president and CEO of the ALS Association. “We're grateful to our champions on both sides of the aisle who helped make this legislation possible. People living with ALS cannot wait, and neither will we.” “Today's signing is a defining moment for the ALS community and for everyone working toward a future without this devastating disease,” said Sharon Hesterlee, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “The Muscular Dystrophy Association was proud to help lead the effort to reauthorize the ACT for ALS because we know that every day matters for people living with ALS. This law preserves the momentum that is driving scientific breakthroughs, expands opportunities for people to participate in research and access promising therapies, and strengthens the partnerships that will lead to the next generation of treatments. Together, we are creating a future where ALS is no longer a fatal diagnosis but a disease that can be effectively treated and ultimately cured.” “Final passage is a major win for people living with ALS and their families, and a testament to what sustained, collective advocacy can accomplish,” said Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of ALS Network. “ALS Network has been deeply engaged throughout this process, working directly with congressional leaders, shaping policy recommendations, bringing the lived experience of people with ALS to Capitol Hill, and mobilizing advocates across the country. We are proud of the role we played alongside partners throughout the ALS community, and are deeply grateful to Representatives Calvert and Quigley, Senators Murkowski and Coons, and every advocate whose persistence helped carry this legislation across the finish line.” The full text of the law can be found HERE . Issues : Health Care