URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Protect ALS Research Funding in the Senate

The Threat to ALS Research

The House has passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that now goes to the Senate, containing a serious threat to ALS research funding. This CR slashes funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) by 57%—from $1.5 billion to just $650 million. This will devastate the ALS Research Program and potentially halt critical research progress.

What Makes This Situation Different

Normally, Continuing Resolutions maintain existing funding levels until a permanent budget is passed. This dramatic cut to research funding in a temporary measure is highly unusual and particularly dangerous for the ALS community.

Why This Matters

Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population, making this a critical veterans’ health issue.
The CDMRP through the Department of Defense is particularly important because of this military connection.
Without protective language in the CR, the Department of Defense could redirect ALL CDMRP funding away from research.
Even a temporary gap in funding could derail promising ALS research projects.
Once funding is cut in the CR, it becomes much harder to restore it in the final budget.
ALS research cannot afford delays—our community needs continued progress toward treatments and a cure.

Take Action THURSDAY (March 13)

The Senate will likely vote BEFORE FRIDAY, making Thursday our last chance to make an impact.

Contact your Senators immediately urging them to VOTE NO on any CR that does not contain language protecting CDMRP funding.
- Find your Senators: www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
Spread the word to others who care about ALS research.

Key Message Points for Your Communications

The House-passed CR would cut CDMRP funding by 57%, severely impacting critical ALS research.
Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS, making this research funding a vital veterans’ health issue.
The DoD funds this research specifically because of the higher risk to those who have served our country.
This cut undermines years of progress and could delay potential treatments for veterans and all Americans with ALS.
The Senate must protect CDMRP funding by either amending the CR to include protective language or voting against it.
The ALS community cannot afford research interruptions while waiting for a final budget.

Time is Critical

This issue requires immediate action. The Senate will vote on the CR within the next 24-48 hours, so Thursday is our last real opportunity to influence this decision.

#ProtectALSResearch #EndALS

Together we can protect vital funding for ALS research.

Best regards,

Julie M. Sharpe, President & CEO
ALS United Greater Chicago

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