In a rare display of unity, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed S. 494, the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, by unanimous consent.
The bipartisan measure, sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO), directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a coordinated national strategy aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing epilepsy.
The bill passed without objection after clearing the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee earlier.
It now heads to the House for consideration.
Epilepsy affects nearly 3 million American adults and more than 450,000 children.
One in 26 people will develop the disorder in their lifetime.
It causes recurring, unprovoked seizures and carries a significantly higher risk of early death, especially for those with uncontrolled seizures. Healthcare costs tied to epilepsy exceed $54 billion annually.
Schmitt, co-founder of the Senate Epilepsy Caucus, has long made the issue personal. His son lives with the condition.
“Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the United States, and as the father of a child living with the condition, the fight to cure epilepsy is deeply personal to me,” Schmitt said.
“I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be to live with epilepsy—and how rewarding it is to see a loved one fight it. The National Plan for Epilepsy will serve as a comprehensive framework to improve the lives of Americans living with epilepsy while providing caretakers and medical professionals with additional resources to treat the condition,” Schmitt added.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a lead cosponsor, added: “Epilepsy affects more than three million Americans, including over 55,000 Minnesotans. More must be done to address the needs of people living with epilepsy and advance medical research into earlier diagnosis and improved treatment. The bipartisan National Plan for Epilepsy will ensure there is a unified approach to improve the health of Americans living with this condition.”
The legislation requires HHS to establish the National Plan for Epilepsy.
Under the plan, the department must coordinate research and services across federal agencies—including NIH, CDC, FDA, the Department of Defense, and the VA—solicit public input, and conduct annual assessments of national progress. HHS will report recommendations to Congress each year.
It also creates an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services.
The council, drawing on federal experts, clinicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, and nonprofit representatives, will evaluate federally funded efforts and report to HHS and Congress every two years.
Focus areas include improving outcomes and quality of life, accelerating innovation toward better treatments and cures, strengthening data systems, raising public awareness, reducing stigma, cutting Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and other epilepsy-related deaths, and expanding access to specialized care.
All authorities under the bill sunset on December 31, 2035, ensuring the framework is time-limited and subject to future congressional review—an important check against permanent bureaucratic expansion.
Long-term, better coordination can drive medical breakthroughs that lower costs and restore independence for millions.
Conservatives note the approach prioritizes results over unchecked spending. It builds on successful models like the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act without creating new entitlement programs or open-ended agencies. Instead, it demands accountability through regular reports and a firm end date.
Schmitt has emphasized the whole-of-government focus: “Putting forward The National Plan for Epilepsy to coordinate a whole-of-government approach and tackle the complex nature of treating and supporting those with epilepsy is no easy feat.”
Advocates from epilepsy organizations praised the Senate action as a major step forward after years of grassroots pressure.
The measure now moves to the House, where companion legislation has bipartisan support from the House Epilepsy Caucus.
If enacted, S. 494 would give the country a clear roadmap against one of its most common yet under-addressed neurological disorders.
