United States 119th Congress Status: Passed Senate Bipartisan · 17 D · 9 R cosponsors

S 494 — National Plan for Epilepsy Act

Last action — Held at the desk.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 10, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 26 sponsors

    1 primary, 25 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (17 D · 9 R) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill establishes a national plan to address epilepsy through various federal actions.

The National Plan for Epilepsy Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive plan to tackle epilepsy. This includes forming an advisory council and coordinating efforts across federal agencies to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research.

What this means for you
  • Families: This means families affected by epilepsy may benefit from improved resources and support due to coordinated federal efforts.

Summary

National Plan for Epilepsy ActThis bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035.Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments.Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts.Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

6 added · 248 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill S 494 includes a new section that was added, as indicated by the added lines. In place of the previous text which detailed the short title and findings related to epilepsy, this new version removes all of that content. This change means that the bill no longer includes specific information or assertions about epilepsy as a condition, which may affect how the purpose and context of the bill are communicated.

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Previous
Latest
494 Reported in Senate (RS)] <DOC> Calendar No.
494 Engrossed in Senate (ES)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
526 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
494 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes.
494 To establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1.
_______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 10, 2025 Mr.
Schmitt (for himself, Ms.
Klobuchar, Mr.
Boozman, Ms.
Hassan, Mr.
Husted, Mr.
Markey, Mr.
Booker, Ms.
Ernst, Mr.
Padilla, Mrs.
Capito, Mrs.
Shaheen, Mr.
Coons, Mr.
Warnock, Mr.
Kaine, Mr.
Warner, Ms.
Alsobrooks, Mr.
Heinrich, Mr.
Schiff, Mrs.
Gillibrand, Ms.
Collins, Mr.
Justice, Ms.
Blunt Rochester, Ms.
Duckworth, Mr.
Kennedy, Mr.
Marshall, Mr.
Durbin, Ms.
Rosen, and Mr.
Bennet) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions July 28, 2026 Reported by Mr.
Cassidy, with an amendment [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <DELETED>SECTION 1.
SHORT TITLE.</DELETED> <DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``National Plan for Epilepsy Act''.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
2.
FINDINGS.</DELETED> <DELETED> Congress finds as follows:</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring and unprovoked seizures and affects people of all ages, affecting nearly 3,000,000 adults and 456,000 children in the United States.</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person at any age.
One in 26 people will develop a form of epilepsy in their lifetime, with people from all demographic groups and walks of life being impacted.</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) In approximately half of all cases of epilepsy, the underlying cause of the disease is unknown.</DELETED> <DELETED> (4) Epilepsy is a spectrum disease comprised of many diagnoses and an ever-growing number of rare epilepsies.
There are many different types of seizures and varying levels of seizure control.</DELETED> <DELETED> (5) Over 30 percent of people with epilepsy live with uncontrolled seizures.</DELETED> <DELETED> (6) Individuals with epilepsy have a 3-times higher risk of early death than the general population and that risk is even higher for individuals with uncontrolled seizures.</DELETED> <DELETED> (7) Thirty-two percent of adults with epilepsy are unable to work.</DELETED> <DELETED> (8) Fifty-three percent of individuals with uncontrolled seizures live in households earning less than $25,000 per year.</DELETED> <DELETED> (9) Health care costs associated with epilepsy and seizures exceed $54,000,000,000 per year in the United States.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
Show all 60 changed rows (20 more)
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Latest
3.
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PLAN FOR EPILEPSY.</DELETED> <DELETED> Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
243 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED> <DELETED>``SEC.
320C.
PROGRAMS RELATING TO EPILEPSY.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(a) National Plan for Epilepsy.--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a national project, to be known as the `National Plan for Epilepsy' (referred to in this section as the `National Plan'), to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out the National Plan, the Secretary shall--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) establish, maintain, and periodically update an integrated national plan to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) provide information, including an estimate of the level of Federal investment in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(C) coordinate research and services related to epilepsy, across all Federal agencies;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(D) encourage the development of safe and effective treatments, strategies, and other approaches to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy or to enhance functioning and improve quality of life for individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(E) improve the--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) early diagnosis of epilepsy;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) coordination of the care and treatment of individuals living with epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(F) review the impact of epilepsy on the physical, mental, and social health of individuals living with epilepsy and their caregivers;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(G) solicit public comments and consider consensus recommendations from collaborations in the epilepsy community;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(H) carry out an annual assessment on progress of the activities described in this subsection;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(I) coordinate with international bodies, to the degree possible, to integrate and inform the global mission to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(J) carry out other such activities as the Secretary determines appropriate.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(b) Annual Assessment.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall carry out an assessment of the Nation's progress in preparing for and responding to the escalating burden of epilepsy.
Such assessment shall include--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(1) recommendations for priority actions;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(2) a description of the steps that have been, or should be, taken to implement such recommendations;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(3) such other items as the Secretary determines appropriate.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(c) Advisory Council.--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish and maintain an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services (referred to in this section as the `Advisory Council') to advise the Secretary on epilepsy-related issues.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(2) Membership.--The Advisory Council shall be comprised of--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) representatives appointed by the Secretary from relevant Federal departments and agencies, including--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) the National Institutes of Health;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iii) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iv) the Food and Drug Administration;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(v) the Health Resources and Services Administration;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(vi) the Department of Defense;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(vii) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) expert non-Federal members appointed by the Secretary that reflect the diversity of epilepsy, including--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) 4 individuals, each of whom is living with a different type of epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) 2 family caregivers for individuals with epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iii) 2 licensed or accredited health care providers supported by a relevant professional medical society, including at least 1 epileptologist or neurologist;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iv) 2 biomedical researchers with epilepsy-related expertise in basic, translational, or clinical population science or drug development science;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(v) 3 representatives from 3 separate nonprofit organizations directly connected with epilepsy that have demonstrated experience in epilepsy research or epilepsy patient care and other services.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(3) Meetings.--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) In general.--The Advisory Council shall meet at least once each quarter.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) Meetings with other experts.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Advisory Council shall convene a meeting of Federal and non-Federal organizations to discuss epilepsy research.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(C) Public meetings.--All meetings of the Advisory Council shall be open to the public.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(4) Reporting.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Advisory Council shall provide to the Secretary and Congress a report containing-- </DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) an evaluation of all federally funded efforts in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy, and the outcomes of such efforts;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) recommendations for priority actions to better coordinate, expand, and better support Federal programs in order to better support people with epilepsy, epilepsy research, and data collection;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(C) recommendations to--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) provide effective, timely, and responsive diagnosis treatment and care to improve health outcomes and quality of life;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) foster research and innovation leading to more effective treatments and potential cures for epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iii) strengthen data and information systems including better surveillance of epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iv) increase public awareness about epilepsy and reduce stigma and discrimination;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(v) increase access to expert and specialized care for people with epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(vi) eliminate access to care disparities experienced by individuals with epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(vii) prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other epilepsy-related mortalities;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(viii) reduce the financial impact of epilepsy on families living with epilepsy;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ix) prevent epilepsy and promote healthy behaviors;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(x) an evaluation of the implementation of the National Plan, and its outcomes.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(d) Annual Reports.--The Secretary shall annually submit to Congress a report that includes--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(1) an evaluation of all federally funded efforts in epilepsy research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, clinical care, and institutional-, home-, and community-based programs, and the outcomes of such efforts;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(2) recommendations for--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) priority actions based on the most recent assessment submitted by the Secretary under subsection (b) and the recommendations contained in the most recent report of the Advisory Council under subsection (c)(4);</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) priority actions to improve all federally funded efforts in epilepsy research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, clinical care, and institutional-, home-, and community-based programs;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(C) implementation steps to address priority actions described in subparagraphs (A) and (B);
and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(3) a description of the progress made in carrying out the National Plan.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(e) Data Sharing.--Agencies both within the Department of Health and Human Services and outside of such Department that have data relating to epilepsy shall share such data with the Secretary as necessary to enable the Secretary to complete the reports described in subsection (d).</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(f) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on December 31, 2035.''.</DELETED> SECTION 1.
Calendar No.
Passed the Senate August 4, 2026.
526 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
Attest:
494 _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes.
Secretary.
_______________________________________________________________________ July 28, 2026 Reported with an amendment
119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
494 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes.
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Action History

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

  3. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  4. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  5. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.

  6. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 526.

  7. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

  8. Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4426-4427; text: CR S4426-4427)

  9. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  10. Received in the House.

  11. Held at the desk.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 25 co-sponsors · 521 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (25)

Not signed on (521)

521 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 521 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

healthcare health-insurance
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Frequently asked questions

What does S 494 do?
National Plan for Epilepsy ActThis bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035.Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments.Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts.Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.
Who sponsors S 494?
S 494 is sponsored by Klobuchar, Amy (Democratic), Boozman, John (Republican), Hassan, Margaret Wood (Democratic), Husted, Jon (Republican), Markey, Edward J. (Democratic), Booker, Cory A. (Democratic), Ernst, Joni (Republican), Padilla, Alex (Democratic), Capito, Shelley Moore (Republican), Shaheen, Jeanne (Democratic), Coons, Christopher A. (Democratic), Warnock, Raphael G. (Democratic), Kaine, Tim (Democratic), Warner, Mark R. (Democratic), Alsobrooks, Angela D. (Democratic), Heinrich, Martin (Democratic), Schiff, Adam B. (Democratic), Gillibrand, Kirsten E. (Democratic), Collins, Susan M. (Republican), Justice, James C. (Republican), Blunt Rochester, Lisa (Democratic), Duckworth, Tammy (Democratic), Kennedy, John (Republican), Marshall, Roger (Republican), Durbin, Richard J. (Democratic), and Schmitt, Eric (Republican).
What is the current status of S 494?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 10, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track S 494?
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