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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) celebrated President Biden signing into law his National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation he authored that reauthorizes the National Alzheimer's Project Act through 2035 to provide a roadmap for federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as well as the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act that ensures scientists speak directly to Congress on resources they need to effectively treat the disease.

“This action marks a major step in tackling Alzheimer’s and delivering a needed dose of hope to those living with this devastating disease and their loved ones,” Congressman Tonko said. “During my first term in Congress, I joined my colleagues in advancing the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) to provide a roadmap for federal efforts in responding to Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Now, after a decade of successful implementation of that law, and with its expiration in 2025 looming, I was honored to lead the push to reauthorize this pivotal legislation. The enactment of the NAPA Reauthorization Act and Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act will equip us with the tools and resources necessary to address Alzheimer’s and ease the heavy burden on patients and their families. I’m thankful to my colleagues and the numerous local, state, and national organizations who stood with me to get this legislation across the finish line.”

From the beginning of his time in Congress, Tonko has championed the push to address Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Ever since he introduced this legislation last year, Tonko has pushed for the passage of these bills, first through House Committee and later to the Floor, where they were advanced just last week.

“Congressman Paul Tonko is a longstanding champion for the 426,500 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers," said Beth Smith-Boivin, executive director of the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter. "From holding roundtable discussions to attending our local Walk to End Alzheimer's, Congressman Tonko has sat with and listened to the stories from local families impacted by this devastating disease. But his tireless efforts in Congress to advance these bipartisan bills across the finish line not only impacts individuals in his district, but throughout New York State and across the nation. These bills show that our nation is committed to a future in which everyone in all communities will have access to prevention, early detection, treatment, care, and ultimately, cures. We are so grateful to have Congressman Tonko as a powerful and compassionate advocate for our cause.”

Also advanced in the House last month and awaiting action in the Senate is the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Reauthorization Act, which Tonko co-leads. The bill drives public health research, early detection infrastructure, and support for caregivers.