President Joe Biden on Dec. 23 signed into law the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Act, H.R. 3537, a bipartisan, bicameral legislation supported by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and U.S. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) to improve access to treatments for patients with neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“We thank our colleagues in both the House and Senate for their bipartisan work on this legislation that is now law,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said.
“It is exciting news that right before Christmas, the ACT for ALS bill has now become law,” said Rep. Scalise. “This new law is a strong step forward for so many people who are diagnosed with ALS.”
H.R. 3537 received approval from the U.S. Senate on Dec. 16 after passing favorably in the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 8. The measure was introduced on May 25 by U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and 98 other original cosponsors. U.S. Sens. Christopher Coons (D-DE) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on the same day introduced the identical S. 1813 in their chamber.
“Today marks a new day for people who believe in the promise of American medical innovation,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers, adding that H.R. 3537 “will bring hope to those with ALS and their loved ones by promoting access to potentially breakthrough treatments.”
Specifically, the new law will establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support research and boost access to investigational therapies, the congresswoman said.
“It also directs HHS to establish a public-private partnership for neurodegenerative diseases, which will advance the development and regulatory approval of drugs to help treat ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases,” she added. “All of this will help America one day discover a cure and turn hope for lifesaving treatments into a reality.”
Rep. Scalise pointed out that he was proud to spend the last year working with colleagues from both parties to get the bill passed through Congress.
“This important bipartisan law advances critical research and increases access to lifesaving drugs, and I’m glad to see Republicans and Democrats come together to take action for those diagnosed with ALS and other neuro diseases who want to live life to the fullest,” said Rep. Scalise.