Veterans with ALS Reporting Act

H.R. 6001, the Veterans with ALS Reporting Act, would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to submit a report on risk reduction strategies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in veterans. The bill responds to research showing that veterans are diagnosed with ALS at more than twice the rate of civilians, yet the reasons for this elevated risk remain unclear. Potential military-related exposures that may contribute to ALS include heavy metals, pesticides, exhaust fumes, blast effects, and traumatic brain injuries.

If enacted, the bill would require the VA and CDC to identify gaps in current resources and support for veterans with ALS, conduct rigorous studies to understand the disease link, and develop strategies to lower ALS incidence among veterans. The legislation would also create pathways to help veterans with ALS access clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments through the VA. Currently in committee with subcommittee hearings held in January 2026, the bill has bipartisan support and was developed with input from the ALS Association and veterans service organizations.