Epilepsy Community Celebrates Senate Passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 6, 2026 — The epilepsy community celebrates the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494) this week, a historic step toward a coordinated national strategy to improve epilepsy care, accelerate research, and improve lives. This progress reflects years of determined advocacy by people living with epilepsy, families, caregivers, health care providers, researchers, and organizations across the country.

On July 22, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee approved a “Manager’s Amendment” that preserved the bill’s intent and approach. The amended bill would require the federal government to review existing epilepsy programs and recommend ways to address gaps and improve health outcomes. It would also require the Secretary to regularly seek input from patient advocates, subject matter experts, and federal agency representatives. The resulting National Plan would address research, diagnosis, treatment, awareness, mortality prevention, and quality of life. This amended version was passed by the full Senate less than two weeks later on August 4.

We are deeply grateful to the bipartisan Senate champions – Senators Eric Schmitt (MO) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) – who advanced this legislation and to every advocate who shared a personal story, contacted lawmakers, attended meetings, signed letters, and raised awareness. 

“This milestone matters for every person and family navigating the uncertainty, stigma, barriers to care, and challenges that can accompany epilepsy. A unified national strategy can help turn community priorities into sustained federal action and accelerate progress toward better outcomes and quality of life. This achievement demonstrates what is possible when we speak with one voice,” said Bernice “Bee” Martin Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Epilepsy Foundation of America.

"The Senate's passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act marks a pivotal moment for the millions of Americans living with epilepsy and the clinicians who care for them. This historic legislation will foster the collaboration necessary to accelerate progress in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. We are deeply grateful to Senators Schmitt and Klobuchar for recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive national approach, and we look forward to working with Congress to see this legislation enacted into law," said Dr. Daniel Lowenstein, Advisory Board Member, Epilepsies Action Network (EAN); Distinguished Professor of Neurology Education in the Department of Neurology and former Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

“The unanimous support in the Senate is a testament to what can be accomplished when we all come together—clinicians, researchers, people with epilepsy, families and caregivers, and advocates—in pursuit of a common goal. AES is proud to stand alongside our partners across the epilepsy community, and we are committed to carrying this momentum into the House as we work to make the National Plan for Epilepsy a reality, ” said Jack Parent, MD, FAES, President, American Epilepsy Society (AES).

The House of Representatives must now advance the National Plan for Epilepsy Act so the legislation can move toward final passage and the President’s signature. We will continue working with our House champions, including the bill sponsors Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-3), to build support for the legislation and will be pursuing all paths forward to achieve passage before the end of the calendar year.

We urge every member of the epilepsy community to keep the momentum going by asking their U.S. Representative to cosponsor and support the bill.

Take action: Ask your U.S. Representative to support the National Plan for Epilepsy Act.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disorder in the world, affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3.4 million Americans live with active epilepsy. The condition is defined by a tendency to experience seizures—sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can disrupt behavior, awareness, and bodily control. Beyond seizures, epilepsy can also lead to challenges such as fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, anxiety, and trouble concentrating, all of which can significantly impact daily life. Visit epilepsy.com to learn more.

About the Epilepsy Foundation of America

The Epilepsy Foundation America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. For more than 50 years, the Foundation has led efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that make a meaningful difference for individuals living with epilepsy. We also fund cutting-edge research and support early-career investigators working to discover new treatments and therapies. Through our nationwide network of local offices and community partners, the Foundation expands access to care, provides seizure recognition and first aid training, and delivers direct services to those in need. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000; in Spanish at 866.748.8008 or laepilepsia.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.