I am personally affected by Multiple Sclerosis as I was diagnosed in March of 2016. I am devasted by the cuts in funding to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, including the Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP), which bolsters novel and innovated research in support for everyone dealing with MS. This includes not only myself but active duty service members, veterans and the American public.
These programs are essential for over one million Americans living with MS, including many living right here in Wisconsin. A decade ago, there were only a handful of disease modifying treatments (DMT) options, but now thanks to the research done by the MSRP there are more than 20 DMT's available for relapsing forms of MS and now for the first time ever they have made DMT for progressive forms of MS.
These DMT's are crucial for people living with MS to have an active "normal" life, where before they would be confined to a wheelchair. I personally have been on Ocrevus for 6 years, and it took me from having to use a walker or a motorized scooter to being able to walk again without any assistance.
These breakthrough treatments did not happen by chance, they were made possible by sustained federal investment in medical research programs like MSRP. Cutting this funding not only halts the progress made, it risks reversing it. For more than one million Americans living with MS, including 70,000 veterans and myself, this program represents hope, progress and the possibility of a cure.
I urge U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil and U.S. Sen. Steve Nass to restore MSRP funding to $22 million in FY26. Ending chronic diseases like MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's should be a national priority, and that starts with protecting the research that makes it possible.
I urge anyone who has a chronic disease or has a loved one with a chronic disease to please make your voice heard and contact your representative and senator.
