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House of Representatives

Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for Als Reauthorization Act of 2026

2026-07-20 Issue 118 Showing 1–4 of 4

Official Congressional Record ↗

Brett Guthrie

Republican

“I want to pass this bill about ALS therapy. I want it to last through 2031. The government should spend money on this.”

Brett Guthrie

Republican

“I want this bill to pass. It will spend money on research and treatment for ALS. I really want my colleagues to vote for it. I am on the side of people with ALS.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8205 led by my colleagues, Representative Quigley and Representative Calvert. H.R. 8205 reauthorizes the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act, which has supported critical research and development for ALS therapies. The ACT for ALS program has worked to expand access to key therapies for both individuals with ALS and those with other rare neurodegenerative conditions. It is imperative that we pass this bill today to continue advancing research and therapeutic development in the fight against this disease. To my fellow Americans living with ALS and their caregivers, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to let them know that I recognize their resilience and their commitment to a better future for themselves and other patients with ALS. Mr. Speaker, I want them to know that I stand with them, and I ask that my colleagues do the same. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Brett Guthrie

Republican 4:20 p.m.

“I talked to a man with ALS and his wife. They testified to our committee. I went to a man's funeral and met his family. That is why I want this bill to pass. I want everyone to vote yes. There may be a procedural vote on this bill. But the bill will pass this week. I want the Senate to pass it too. And I want the President to sign it.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will mention Brian and Sandra testified before our committee. When I was first elected to Congress, the Ensor family from Bullitt County, Kentucky, came to see me, and I got to know Mitch. I went to his funeral services, unfortunately. I was touched by his family, which is why this bill is important to me. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage everybody to vote for this bill. There may be a procedural call on this bill. This bill will pass this week. I look forward to seeing it pass, being sent to the Senate, and hopefully signed into law very soon. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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Ken Calvert

Republican 4:20 p.m.

“I want this bill to pass. It gives more money for ALS research. I am proud we spent $30 million in 2022 and $86 million in 2025. That is a lot of money. I worked hard with others to spend this money. The bill helps patients get new drugs faster. I thank everyone who helped. I want to keep spending money to find a cure. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act, H.R. 8205, legislation that will reauthorize programs that support research and development of drugs and other therapies to address ALS. It is hard to believe, but the original ACT for ALS Act was signed into law a little less than five years ago. As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan ALS Caucus, I saw first-hand the effort to get that landmark legislation across the finish line was the result of the passion and detepnination of the ALS advocacy community. The passage of the ACT for ALS Act authorized key programs to expand access to new investigational drugs and grants for research of this terrible disease. Working with my Appropriations Committee colleagues, the ALS Caucus, and ALS advocates, we have been successful at making historic investments into these programs. In Fiscal Year 2022, Congress invested nearly $30 million in ACT for ALS programs. That number increased nearly 200 percent in Fiscal Year 2025 to $86 million--nearly matching the $100 million authorization cap enshrined into law. Since the initial passge, the law has demonstrably sped infrastructure, access, and targeted progress. By reauthorizing the ACT for ALS, the trajectory is hopeful due to better tools, data, and collaboration. ALS patients and families are relying on us not to lose momentum and to build upon hopeful progress and someday find a cure for this devastating illness. I want to thank my ALS Caucus Members, including the bill's sponsor Representative Quigley, for their work. I want to give my heartfelt appreciation, once again, to the ALS advocacy community and the families who have been forever changed by ALS. I urge all of my colleagues to stand with these families, give them hope, and pass the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yakym). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8205, as amended. The question was taken.

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