U.S. Reps. Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on June 26 launched the new, bipartisan Congressional ALS Caucus for lawmakers to work collaboratively on finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes decreased mobility and eventually leads to death.
“The new ALS Caucus is being launched to find policy solutions to help afflicted families and bring more resources to the table to find a cure,” Rep. Calvert said on Wednesday. “I am eager to work with my House colleagues and all ALS stakeholders as we embark on this important mission.”
Reps. Fitzpatrick and Calvert were joined by U.S. Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) in unveiling the caucus, which the lawmakers said was formed with the help of I AM ALS, The ALS Association, and other advocacy groups.
“The launch of the ALS Caucus is welcome news in the fight against such a debilitating disease,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, who added that there are roughly 5,000 new ALS diagnoses every year in the United States.
American families “need our support on the federal level to support enhanced research and treatment options,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said.
The ALS Caucus also seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by ALS patients, according to Rep. Calvert’s office, and to spur investment in new research to end ALS.