Historic Milestone: Senate Unanimously Passes National Plan for Epilepsy Act, Paving Way for Coordinated National Strategy

WASHINGTON D.C. – August 11, 2026 – In a monumental stride for millions of Americans living with epilepsy, the U.S. Senate on August 4, 2026, unanimously passed the National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494). This historic legislative action, celebrated today by Epilepsy Alliance America, represents a pivotal moment in the decades-long advocacy for a unified, national approach to address the complexities of epilepsy care, research, and quality of life. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where advocates are pressing for swift passage.

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The bipartisan passage of S. 494 marks the culmination of years of tireless dedication from individuals with epilepsy, their families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and a vast network of epilepsy organizations nationwide. It sets the stage for the federal government to review existing programs, identify critical gaps in services and outcomes, and develop comprehensive recommendations aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, awareness, mortality prevention, and overall quality of life for the estimated 3.4 million Americans affected by this neurological condition.

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"The Senate’s unanimous support demonstrates a growing recognition that epilepsy deserves a coordinated national response," stated Liza Gundell, Board Chair of Epilepsy Alliance America, acknowledging the bipartisan leadership of Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). "For too many individuals and families, epilepsy brings challenges that extend far beyond seizures, including barriers to care, stigma, financial burdens, and concerns about safety and quality of life. A National Plan for Epilepsy will help ensure that these challenges are addressed through a thoughtful, comprehensive, and collaborative strategy."

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Main Facts

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The National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494), unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on August 4, 2026, is a landmark piece of legislation designed to establish a comprehensive, coordinated national strategy for epilepsy. Its primary objective is to significantly improve the landscape of epilepsy care, accelerate research initiatives, reduce the incidence of epilepsy-related deaths, and substantially enhance the quality of life for the millions of Americans affected by the condition.

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This pivotal bill mandates that the federal government undertake a thorough review of all existing epilepsy-related programs and services. The intent is to pinpoint current deficiencies, identify areas where outcomes fall short, and subsequently develop actionable recommendations to bridge these unmet needs. The proposed National Plan will focus strategically on several key pillars: advancing cutting-edge research, improving diagnostic accuracy and timeliness, ensuring access to effective treatments, elevating public and professional awareness, implementing robust mortality prevention strategies, and holistically enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy. Crucially, the legislation emphasizes the necessity of ongoing input from a diverse array of stakeholders, including those with lived experience of epilepsy, healthcare providers, leading researchers, dedicated advocates, and relevant federal agencies, ensuring that the plan remains responsive and impactful.

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The journey to this legislative milestone has been propelled by a broad coalition, spearheaded by organizations like Epilepsy Alliance America. Their advocacy efforts, spanning many years, have brought the urgent needs of the epilepsy community to the forefront of national attention. The unanimous vote in the Senate underscores a powerful bipartisan consensus on the critical importance of addressing epilepsy as a significant public health issue requiring a dedicated federal strategy.

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While the Senate’s approval is a cause for immense celebration, the legislative process is not yet complete. The Act now awaits consideration and passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. Epilepsy Alliance America, alongside its congressional champions including Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-3), is actively mobilizing its network to ensure the bill secures passage before the conclusion of the current congressional term, transforming this vision into enacted law.

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Chronology of a Coordinated Effort

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The journey of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act to the brink of becoming law is a testament to persistent advocacy and strategic legislative engagement, culminating in its significant Senate passage. While the August 4th vote marks a recent triumph, its roots stretch back years, embodying a sustained push from the epilepsy community.

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The conceptual framework for a national epilepsy strategy has been a long-standing aspiration for patient advocates and medical professionals alike. Recognizing the fragmented nature of existing support systems and the persistent disparities in care, the idea of a centralized, coordinated plan gained increasing momentum over time. Organizations like Epilepsy Alliance America have played a crucial role in consolidating these efforts, working to translate community needs into actionable policy proposals. This collaborative spirit led to the drafting of The Epilepsy Community Consensus Priorities earlier this year, a foundational document that articulated the core components deemed essential for a comprehensive national plan. Amanda Mitchell, MPH, an Epilepsy Alliance America Board member and a key participant in the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee, highlighted the personal and communal investment in this foundational work, stating, "It has been a privilege to add my voice to those in the epilepsy community who have pushed for this change for many years."

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The legislative process began in earnest with the introduction of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494) in the Senate. Senators Eric Schmitt and Amy Klobuchar emerged as crucial bipartisan champions, recognizing the imperative for federal intervention. Their leadership was instrumental in guiding the bill through the complex committee process.

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A critical juncture occurred on July 22, 2026, when the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee convened to consider the bill. During this session, the committee approved a Manager’s Amendment. This amendment, rather than altering the core intent of the legislation, served to refine and strengthen its framework, ensuring it was robust and comprehensive enough to achieve its ambitious goals. The HELP Committee’s approval signaled a growing consensus within the Senate regarding the bill’s merit and necessity.

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Building on this momentum, the bill proceeded to the full Senate chamber. On August 4, 2026, in a moment of historic unity, the U.S. Senate cast a unanimous vote in favor of S. 494. This overwhelming bipartisan support underscored the widespread recognition of epilepsy as a public health priority demanding a coordinated national response. The unanimous passage sent a powerful message of commitment to the epilepsy community across the nation.

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Following this landmark vote, Epilepsy Alliance America officially released its celebratory announcement on August 11, 2026. This announcement not only marked the achievement but also served as a call to action, reminding stakeholders that the legislative journey, while significantly advanced, was not yet complete.

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Looking ahead, the immediate focus shifts to the U.S. House of Representatives. Advocates are now channeling their efforts towards securing passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act in the House before the close of the current congressional term. The collaborative work with House champions, including Representatives Jim Costa and Greg Murphy, M.D., is paramount in navigating the bill through its next crucial phase and ultimately, seeing it enacted into law. The chronological progression highlights a sustained, strategic effort that has brought the epilepsy community closer than ever to realizing a comprehensive national strategy.

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Supporting Data: The Unseen Burden and the Vision for Change

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Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, affects a significant portion of the global population. In the United States alone, an estimated 3.4 million people live with epilepsy, a number that surpasses the combined total of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy. This staggering prevalence underscores the immense public health challenge it presents, often compounded by a profound lack of public understanding and a fragmented healthcare infrastructure.

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The Burden of Epilepsy

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The impact of epilepsy extends far beyond the physical manifestations of seizures. Individuals living with the condition often grapple with a multitude of associated challenges that significantly diminish their quality of life:

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• Stigma and Discrimination: Despite its prevalence, epilepsy remains widely misunderstood, leading to pervasive stigma. This can result in social isolation, discrimination in employment and education, and psychological distress, preventing individuals from seeking help or openly discussing their condition.

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• Psychosocial Challenges: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are significantly more common in people with epilepsy compared to the general population. The unpredictable nature of seizures, coupled with medication side effects and societal attitudes, contributes to a heavy emotional burden.

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• Financial Strain: The economic impact of epilepsy is substantial, encompassing direct medical costs (doctor visits, medications, hospitalizations, surgeries) and indirect costs (lost wages, reduced productivity, caregiver burden). Many individuals face challenges affording necessary treatments or accessing specialized care due to insurance limitations or high out-of-pocket expenses.

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• Barriers to Care: Access to specialized epileptologists, comprehensive epilepsy centers, and advanced diagnostic tools remains unevenly distributed across the country. Rural areas, in particular, often lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise, leading to delayed diagnoses, suboptimal treatment, and poorer outcomes.

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• Mortality Risk: Epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of premature death. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a tragic and often unexplained complication, representing the leading cause of death in people with uncontrolled seizures. Beyond SUDEP, individuals with epilepsy face higher risks from seizure-related injuries, status epilepticus, and other comorbidities.

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• Quality of Life Degradation: The cumulative effect of seizures, side effects from medication, cognitive impairments, and psychosocial issues can severely impact an individual’s independence, driving ability, educational attainment, and overall participation in daily life, significantly eroding their quality of life.

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The current landscape of epilepsy care in the U.S. is often characterized by a patchwork of state and local initiatives, varying levels of public health engagement, and inconsistent access to resources. This fragmented approach frequently results in significant gaps in services, suboptimal outcomes, and persistent health disparities, particularly among underserved populations.

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The Vision of the National Plan

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act seeks to address these systemic deficiencies by establishing a cohesive and centrally coordinated strategy. The legislation is designed to move beyond disparate efforts to create a unified framework that leverages federal resources and expertise. Its core mandate involves a thorough assessment:

• Review of Existing Programs: The federal government will be tasked with cataloging and evaluating all current epilepsy-related programs across various agencies, including those related to research, public health, and social services.
• Identification of Gaps: This review will specifically aim to identify where current services fall short, where there are unmet needs in diagnosis and treatment, and where outcomes for individuals with epilepsy are lagging.
• Development of Recommendations: Based on these findings, the plan will formulate concrete, actionable recommendations to improve care, expand research, enhance awareness, and reduce mortality.

The National Plan’s strategic focus areas are comprehensive and directly target the most pressing needs of the epilepsy community:

• Research: Investing in both basic science and translational research to understand the causes of epilepsy, develop new diagnostic tools, and discover more effective and tolerable treatments, including precision medicine approaches.
• Diagnosis: Improving early and accurate diagnosis through enhanced training for healthcare providers, increased access to specialized neurological testing, and public awareness campaigns about seizure recognition.
• Treatment: Ensuring equitable access to state-of-the-art treatments, including anti-seizure medications, epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, dietary therapies, and emerging innovations, while also addressing issues of medication adherence and side effect management.
• Awareness: Launching national campaigns to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about epilepsy, debunking myths, reducing stigma, and promoting a better understanding of the condition’s impact.
• Mortality Prevention: Implementing strategies to reduce epilepsy-related deaths, including increased awareness of SUDEP, promoting seizure safety practices, and improving emergency response protocols.
• Quality of Life: Addressing the holistic needs of individuals with epilepsy, including mental health support, vocational rehabilitation, social services, and resources to promote independence and well-being.

A critical component embedded within the Act is the requirement for ongoing input from people with lived experience. This ensures that the plan remains patient-centered, reflecting the real-world challenges and priorities of those most affected. This collaborative approach, involving patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates, stands in stark contrast to a top-down, fragmented model, promising a more effective and impactful national strategy.

The Power of Advocacy

The unanimous Senate passage is a direct testament to the unparalleled power of grassroots advocacy. For years, thousands of dedicated individuals have engaged in profound and impactful actions:

• Sharing Personal Stories: Patients and family members have courageously shared their personal journeys, humanizing the statistics and illustrating the daily struggles and triumphs of living with epilepsy. These narratives have been instrumental in educating elected officials and the public.
• Contacting Elected Officials: Through letters, emails, phone calls, and social media, advocates have consistently communicated with their U.S. Representatives and Senators, explaining the urgent need for a national plan.
• Participating in Meetings: Advocacy days on Capitol Hill have allowed community members to meet directly with lawmakers and their staff, presenting their case face-to-face and building crucial relationships.
• Signing Support Letters: Coordinated campaigns to gather signatures on support letters have demonstrated the widespread backing for the legislation, showing a unified front from a diverse community.
• Raising Awareness: Beyond legislative action, advocates have tirelessly worked to raise general awareness about epilepsy in their communities, through events, educational materials, and media engagement, creating a more informed and empathetic society.

This collective effort, driven by passion and a shared vision, has successfully elevated the needs of the epilepsy community from a niche concern to a bipartisan priority on the national legislative agenda. The Senate’s unanimous vote is a direct reflection of this powerful and sustained advocacy.

Official Responses: Voices of Hope and Determination

The unanimous Senate passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act has elicited a wave of gratitude and renewed determination from the epilepsy community and its leadership. Their responses underscore the significance of this legislative milestone while also emphasizing the critical work that lies ahead.

Epilepsy Alliance America’s Leadership

Liza Gundell, Board Chair of Epilepsy Alliance America, articulated the profound appreciation for the bipartisan leadership that brought this bill to fruition. "We are grateful to Senators Eric Schmitt and Amy Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy," Gundell stated. Her remarks highlighted the long-overdue recognition of epilepsy’s complex challenges. "The Senate’s unanimous support demonstrates a growing recognition that epilepsy deserves a coordinated national response. For too many individuals and families, epilepsy brings challenges that extend far beyond seizures, including barriers to care, stigma, financial burdens, and concerns about safety and quality of life. A National Plan for Epilepsy will help ensure that these challenges are addressed through a thoughtful, comprehensive, and collaborative strategy." Gundell’s statement encapsulates the vision of the Act: a shift from reactive, fragmented care to a proactive, integrated system that addresses the holistic needs of individuals with epilepsy.

Echoing this sentiment of achievement tempered with a clear view of future tasks, Lisa Gallipoli, Executive Director of Epilepsy Alliance America, emphasized the ongoing nature of their mission. "The passage by the Senate of the National Plan for Epilepsy is a great achievement; but our work is not done!," Gallipoli declared, underscoring the immediate next steps. "Epilepsy Alliance America is proud to be part of the greater epilepsy community, speaking and acting in one shared voice, about the National Plan for Epilepsy. We will continue to mobilize our network to ensure that the House of Representatives follows the lead of the Senate before the end of the Congressional term." Her statement serves as a rallying cry, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to sustained advocacy until the bill is fully enacted into law.

Personal Perspective and Advocacy

The drive behind the National Plan for Epilepsy Act is deeply rooted in personal experiences, a reality powerfully conveyed by Amanda Mitchell, MPH, an Epilepsy Alliance America Board member and a member of the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee. As the parent of a child with epilepsy, Mitchell brings a vital "lived experience" perspective to the advocacy efforts. "As the parent of a child with epilepsy, advocating for the National Plan for Epilepsy is deeply personal to me," Mitchell shared. "I know just how desperately our community needs the investments in comprehensive research, effective treatments, improved access to care, and increased support. It has been a privilege to add my voice to those in the epilepsy community who have pushed for this change for many years. I look forward to continuing to support this work until the plan is enacted into law, and we see its benefits for the millions of Americans living with epilepsy." Her testimony highlights the profound and personal stakes involved for families confronting epilepsy daily, emphasizing the tangible improvements a national plan could bring to their lives.

Congressional Champions

While direct quotes from the senators were not provided in the original text, the gratitude expressed by Epilepsy Alliance America leaders clearly positions Senators Eric Schmitt and Amy Klobuchar as instrumental figures in the bill’s Senate passage. Their bipartisan collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment across the political spectrum to address the pressing needs of the epilepsy community. This alliance was crucial in navigating the bill through the Senate HELP Committee and securing the unanimous floor vote.

Looking ahead, the advocacy spotlight shifts to the House of Representatives, where Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-3) are recognized as key congressional champions. Their leadership will be vital in marshaling support and ensuring the National Plan for Epilepsy Act receives timely and favorable consideration in the House, replicating the bipartisan success seen in the Senate. These official responses collectively paint a picture of determined advocacy, strategic legislative engagement, and a profound hope for a future where epilepsy is met with a unified, effective national response.

Implications: A New Era for Epilepsy Care and Research

The unanimous passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494) by the U.S. Senate signals more than just a legislative victory; it heralds a potential paradigm shift in how epilepsy is understood, managed, and treated across the United States. Should it pass the House and be signed into law, the implications for the epilepsy community, the healthcare system, and public health at large would be profound and far-reaching.

Transforming Epilepsy Care and Research

The establishment of a coordinated national strategy, as mandated by S. 494, promises to revolutionize epilepsy care by moving away from a fragmented, often inconsistent approach to a unified, evidence-based system.

• Improved Access to Specialized Care: The plan’s focus on identifying gaps in services will likely lead to initiatives that expand access to comprehensive epilepsy centers, specialized neurologists, and advanced diagnostic technologies, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas. This could significantly reduce diagnostic delays and ensure more individuals receive appropriate, timely care.
• Accelerated Research and Innovation: A national plan would likely unlock greater federal funding for epilepsy research, fostering collaboration among leading institutions and researchers. This increased investment could accelerate the discovery of new antiepileptic drugs with fewer side effects, non-pharmacological interventions, precision medicine approaches tailored to individual genetic profiles, and ultimately, a cure.
• Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: By standardizing best practices and investing in professional education, the plan could lead to more accurate and earlier diagnoses, allowing for prompt intervention and potentially preventing the progression of the condition or mitigating its severity.
• Reduction in Health Disparities: A coordinated national effort has the potential to address systemic inequities in care, ensuring that individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical locations have equitable access to high-quality epilepsy services and information.
• Standardization of Care Guidelines: The review and recommendation process could lead to the development of national clinical guidelines for epilepsy management, ensuring a consistent standard of care across different healthcare settings and reducing variability in treatment approaches.

Empowering the Epilepsy Community

Beyond clinical improvements, the National Plan holds immense potential to empower individuals living with epilepsy and their families, fostering a more informed, supportive, and less stigmatizing environment.

• Amplified Patient Voice: The explicit requirement for "ongoing input from people with lived experience" fundamentally shifts the approach to policy-making, ensuring that patient perspectives are central to the development and implementation of the national plan. This empowerment can lead to more relevant and effective interventions.
• Reduced Stigma and Increased Awareness: A national plan will inevitably include robust public awareness campaigns. By educating the general public, healthcare providers, and educators about epilepsy, the plan can help dismantle pervasive myths, reduce stigma, and create more inclusive communities where individuals with epilepsy feel understood and supported.
• Improved Quality of Life and Reduced Mortality: By addressing the multifaceted challenges of epilepsy – from treatment access and mental health support to seizure safety and mortality prevention (including SUDEP awareness) – the plan aims to significantly enhance the overall quality of life for millions, enabling greater independence, participation, and well-being, while simultaneously working to reduce preventable deaths.
• Precedent for Other Chronic Conditions: The successful establishment of a national plan for epilepsy could serve as a powerful precedent for other chronic, often overlooked neurological or rare diseases, demonstrating the effectiveness of a coordinated federal strategy in addressing complex public health challenges.

The Road Ahead: House Passage

Despite the jubilation surrounding the Senate’s unanimous vote, the work is far from over. The National Plan for Epilepsy Act now faces its final legislative hurdle in the U.S. House of Representatives. The urgency of securing House passage before the end of the current congressional term cannot be overstated.

• Continued Advocacy is Crucial: The momentum generated in the Senate must be sustained and intensified as advocates pivot their efforts towards the House. This will involve continued outreach to Representatives, sharing personal stories, and demonstrating the broad-based support for the bill.
• Risk of Inaction: Failure to pass the bill in the House would mean that the legislative process would have to restart from the beginning in the next congressional session, potentially delaying these critical reforms by months or even years. This could set back progress, dampen morale within the community, and allow existing disparities and unmet needs to persist.
• Building on Bipartisan Success: Replicating the bipartisan support seen in the Senate will be key to successful House passage. The champions in the House, Representatives Jim Costa and Greg Murphy, M.D., will play pivotal roles in garnering cross-aisle support.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act offers a tangible pathway to a future where individuals living with epilepsy receive the comprehensive care, support, and research attention they deserve. Its enactment into law would not only be a triumph for the epilepsy community but a powerful testament to the impact of persistent advocacy and bipartisan collaboration in addressing critical public health needs.

Take Action: Your Voice Matters

Momentum is undeniably building, but the journey to making the National Plan for Epilepsy Act a reality is not yet finished. The unified voice of the epilepsy community is more vital than ever as the bill moves to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Epilepsy Alliance America urges every individual invested in improving the lives of people with epilepsy – patients, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates – to contact their U.S. Representative immediately. Ask them to cosponsor and actively support the National Plan for Epilepsy Act. Your personal story and your call to action can make a profound difference in securing this historic legislation.

Take action today: Ask your U.S. Representative to support the National Plan for Epilepsy Act by visiting Epilepsy Alliance America’s dedicated advocacy portal.