Washington, D.C.– Legislation introduced by Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) to protect access to speech generating devices (SGDs) for those afflicted with ALS and other degenerative conditions was approved by the House unanimously. The bill, the Steve Gleason Act, would reverse policy changes by the Administration that would limit access to these critical devices. The legislation is named after Steve Gleason, a former NFL safety that now suffers from ALS. He has become a leading advocate for those suffering from the disease.

“The ice bucket challenge was a good start, but there’s more we can do to help those with this deadly disease,” said Paulsen. “Embracing new technology means giving a voice to the millions of Americans living with degenerative disabilities and helping them lead a better life where they can communicate with their family, friends, and physicians.”  

Paulsen spoke on the House floor in favor of the legislation. Video is available here.

Congressman Paulsen led a letter with Reps. Steve Scalise and Cathy McMorris Rodgers in September 2014 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that asked for an explanation of policy changes that would limit access to SGDs. In response, CMS changed some of their policies. The Steve Gleason Act was introduced to make these changes permanent and address remaining barriers to access to speech generating devices. These devices allow millions of Americans that suffer from degenerative medical conditions to communicate with family and friends by using facial muscles or retina movement.  

Congressman Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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