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Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.
MDA Statement on the Administration’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
Washington, D.C., Friday, April 3, 2026 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has released the following statement today, on the Administration’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
Today, the Administration released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Included are proposals to maintain funding to programs important to the neuromuscular disease community, including the CDC's National ALS Registry, the Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children Program, and the Lifespan Respite Care Program. The proposal also includes a $100 million increase for independent living centers.
However, the proposal also includes substantial cuts to critical medical research programs, including more than $5 billion from the National Institutes of Health and cuts to the CDC's Muscular Dystrophy Program. These reductions would not just slow progress—they would risk unraveling decades of hard-fought scientific advancement for the neuromuscular disease community. For rare diseases that have historically been underfunded, sustained investment is essential; setbacks of this magnitude could delay breakthroughs, disrupt clinical trials, and push lifesaving treatments further out of reach for families who have already waited far too long.
Now it is up to Congress to appropriate vital funds to these life-changing programs and reject any cuts to the neuromuscular disease research ecosystem. Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved. The families are waiting.
Media contact press@mdausa.org.
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The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. As strategic partners with the federal government, we work with public officials and administrations of all parties to advance policies that protect the rights, inclusion, dignity, and agency of people with neuromuscular disease. We do not endorse or support candidates or engage in political campaigns or activities. For questions regarding our advocacy work or policy positions, contact advocacy@mdausa.org.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
