Scalise Presents Signed Legislation to Honor Saints Legend Steve Gleason
METAIRIE, La.— Marking the fifth anniversary of the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act becoming law, today House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) presented two framed bills now signed into law supporting the ALS community to former New Orleans Saints star and ALS advocate Steve Gleason.
“This week we mark the five year anniversary of the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act becoming law. This would not be possible without the passion and work of Steve Gleason, a New Orleans Saints legend and tireless advocate for those battling ALS. It has been an honor to work alongside Steve over the last few years to pass lifesaving legislation, ensuring people battling ALS have more opportunities to live life to the fullest than ever before.
“Today, I’m pleased to present my friend and our hometown hero with two framed bills that are now law, thanks to his tireless and determined efforts. Together, these laws advance key research as well as much-needed treatments and benefits to confront ALS and continue our ‘no white flags’ approach to living life to the fullest and finding a cure for this evil disease,” said Majority Leader Scalise.
"I’m so proud of the work we have done together for the ALS community. Not only to help pass these important bills but also the Gleason Enduring Voices Act, is incredible. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since that was signed into law. We have seen firsthand how transformative all of these legislative efforts have been for the ALS community and beyond. Thank you for your leadership," said Steve Gleason.
Majority Leader Scalise presented Gleason with a framed copy of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS) and the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019.
BACKGROUND:
Majority Leader Scalise was a lead cosponsor of both House versions of the bills presented today and played a key role in ushering the legislation to the White House. He has continued to work with former New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason to get other bills signed into law, including the Steve Gleason Act of 2015 and its permanent extension in 2018.
In January 2020 following efforts spearheaded by Majority Leader Scalise to rally his colleagues, Steve Gleason was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal - the highest honor the legislative branch can bestow - for his tireless work to improve the lives of those who refuse to be defined by their disabilities.
Laws Presented Today:
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS): bipartisan and bicameral legislation established grant programs to address neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. These grants help fund early access to ALS investigational therapies for patients unable to participate in clinical trials. This legislation was passed by Congress and signed by the president in December 2021.
ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019: legislation removed the five-month waiting period for people with ALS to access Social Security Disability benefits. This legislation was passed by Congress and signed by the president in December 2020.