By James Hart
Executive Director
Epilepsy Foundation of CT
On February 3, 2026, Congress passed, and the President signed the federal Fiscal Year 2026 spending package, delivering important news for people living with epilepsy and the organizations that serve them. During these times of incredible uncertainty, it is such a relief to share excellent news with the epilepsy community here in CT.
Overall, the final budget represents a major advocacy win! Lawmakers rejected many proposed cuts and preserved funding for critical epilepsy research, surveillance, and support programs, ensuring continued progress toward better treatments, improved care, and stronger support systems.
One of the most significant victories was the restoration of epilepsy research funding within the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). After facing steep cuts last year, epilepsy research funding has now been restored to $12 million. This reversal underscores the power of coordinated advocacy and sustained community engagement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue funding its Epilepsy Program at $11.5 million, maintaining essential work in public health education, surveillance, and intervention. The budget also encourages expanded data collection to improve outcomes, especially for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy.
At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), funding increased to $47.2 billion, including new investments in brain research and directives to advance pediatric epilepsy research through the creation of a Pediatric-Onset Epilepsies Network. These efforts could accelerate the development of new therapies and deepen our understanding of the causes and treatments of epilepsy.
The legislation also included provisions to improve access to care, such as extending Medicare telehealth flexibility through 2027 and making it easier for children with epilepsy to receive specialized care across state lines.
While challenges remain, including staffing shortages and broader federal health funding pressures, this budget provides critical stability and reinforces the federal government’s continued commitment to epilepsy research and support.
Most importantly, this outcome reflects the collective voice of the epilepsy community. Advocacy efforts from individuals, families, clinicians, and organizations helped ensure that epilepsy remained a national priority.
Continued engagement will be essential to protect and build upon this progress in the years ahead. Please consider joining EFCT at our annual Advocacy Day on April 8th to lend your voice to Connecticut’s epilepsy community.
If you, or someone in your life affected by epilepsy, has questions or needs support, remember that the Epilepsy Foundation of CT is here to help! Reach out at info@epilepsyct.com or (860) 346-1924.
ROOTED IN HOPE GALA