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WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) today introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at prioritizing research on Alzheimer’s disease and supporting scientists in the development of treatments and potential cures. The two bills are H.R. 7775, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes the National’s Alzheimer Project through 2035 to provide a roadmap for federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and dementia, and H.R. 7773, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act that ensures scientists speak directly to Congress on resources they need to effectively treat the disease.

“Those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones who care for them deserve compassionate, accessible, and comprehensive support—support that Congress can deliver,” Congressman Tonko said. “I’m proud to introduce these bipartisan pieces of legislation that will help steer federal investments to address this devastating disease and give scientists and researchers the tools they need develop effective treatments. I urge my colleagues in Congress to advance our bills at once to provide a path of hope to every American struggling with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

“Most of us have a family member or friend who is among the 6.5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). “While much progress has been made to increase federal assistance for patients and caregivers, more needs to be done to combat this devastating disease. Our legislation will continue the strong federal support for promising research and programs as we work towards improved treatment and, hopefully, a cure.”

“With the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) set to expire by 2025, the passage of the NAPA Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act are needed now more than ever. These critical pieces of legislation would continue the work of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease to promote rapid research and improve the delivery of clinical care and services for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer's Association chief public policy officer and AIM executive director. “The Alzheimer’s Association is deeply grateful to the sponsors for introducing this important bipartisan legislation to help improve the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s throughout the nation. We look forward to working with these bipartisan congressional champions to swiftly pass these bills.”

Signed into law more than a decade ago, NAPA requires annual updates to a national strategic plan addressing Alzheimer’s, and is set to expire in 2025. The NAPA Reauthorization Act would extend this plan as well as including; language to address health disparities among underrepresented populations; language adding a sixth goal to that plan on healthy aging and reducing risk factors for dementia; and the addition of new federal representatives to the Advisory Council including from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Signed into law in 2015, the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act requires scientists at the NIH to submit an annual Alzheimer’s research budget proposal directly to Congress, sidestepping bureaucratic budget procedures. Also set to expire in 2025, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act makes that process permanent.

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