Washington, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Co-Chair of the ALS Caucus, has joined forces with Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-1) to introduce the Justice for ALS Veterans Act—a crucial bipartisan, bicameral initiative ensuring that the surviving spouses of veterans who succumb to ALS receive the full benefits they have rightfully earned. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced the companion legislation in the Senate, reinforcing this urgent and necessary effort to support the families of our nation’s heroes.

"Our veterans fought for us, and when they face ALS—a devastating, fast-moving disease—we must fight for them and their families. Denying a surviving spouse benefits because their loved one didn’t live long enough to meet an arbitrary requirement is not just unfair—it is a betrayal of our commitment to those who served. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will right this wrong and ensure that the families of our brave service members receive the support they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1).

ALS is an aggressive and fatal disease that robs its victims of their ability to move, speak, and ultimately live. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS as the general population, yet many do not survive long enough to meet the eight-year disability threshold required for their spouses to receive full VA benefits. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will eliminate this restriction and guarantee surviving spouses and families receive the full financial support they deserve, regardless of the duration of their loved one’s battle with ALS.

“ALS is a horrible disease that indiscriminately wreaks havoc on families across the country – mine included,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of senators who are partnering with healthcare and advocacy groups to support those affected and their families. Our first reintroduction, the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, is an important first step that will aid the families of veterans who have been devastated by ALS. It’s not clear why veterans develop ALS at a such a high rate, but it is clear that we should close the loophole that has prevented surviving families from receiving the full benefits that they are entitled to.”

“Every year, ALS robs thousands more Americans of their ability to speak, move and eventually to live,” said Senator Coons. “Veterans who have fiercely served our nation are twice as likely to receive an ALS diagnosis, and yet, despite our efforts to support them and their families, they do not receive the full benefits they have earned in death. I’m working with Senator Murkowski to right this wrong and take better care of military families impacted by ALS.”

The bill has earned strong endorsements from key advocacy organizations:

“PVA thanks Senators Murkowski and Coons, Representatives Fitzpatrick and Pappas, and other members of Congress who have prioritized the reintroduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Denying benefits for surviving spouses of ALS veterans due to the aggressive nature of this service-connected disability does a disservice to them. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will ensure these survivors receive the additional financial support that is afforded to other veterans' survivors,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“Studies show our nation’s veterans have a higher likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) compared to non-veterans. Veterans with ALS and their families experience rapid life changes in addition to significant financial stress," said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We express our gratitude to veterans and their families, as well as to the U.S. Senators who are championing the passage of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This legislation aims to guarantee that the families of veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve, without being penalized due to the rapid progression of ALS.”

"Veterans with ALS are a vital part of our community of advocates, and we are dedicated to ensuring those who bravely served our country receive the benefits they need. This legislation is critical to our effort to ensure survivors of veterans with ALS receive the benefits they deserve,” said Andrea Goodman, CEO of I AM ALS.

Fitzpatrick’s Leadership in the Fight Against ALS:

Since entering Congress, Rep. Fitzpatrick has been a leader in the fight against ALS. As a founding member of the bipartisan ALS Caucus, he has worked to accelerate research, expand treatment access, and secure federal resources for ALS patients and their families.

The ALS Caucus, established in 2017 in partnership with I AM ALS and The ALS Association, has made significant strides, including:

• Securing Federal Funding – Advancing ALS research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD).
• ACT for ALS Implementation – Expanding access to investigational treatments and enhancing ALS research efforts.
• Community Engagement – Collaborating with patients, caregivers, and advocates to shape federal policy.

Rep. Fitzpatrick remains unwavering in his commitment to ensuring that veterans battling ALS—and the families they leave behind—receive the care, dignity, and benefits they deserve.

Background:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes loss of muscle control, leading to total paralysis and death. There is no cure, no known cause, and no effective treatment. Alarmingly, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population.

Under current law, surviving spouses and families of veterans who had a service-connected disability deemed “fully debilitating” for at least eight continuous years before death receive an additional monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, with an average life expectancy of only two to five years after diagnosis, ALS veterans often do not survive long enough to meet this requirement—leaving their families without this crucial benefit.

The Justice for ALS Veterans Act will eliminate this unfair restriction and ensure that all families of veterans who pass away from ALS receive this financial support, regardless of the duration of their illness.

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