For nine straight years, Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation volunteers have successfully advocated to make myotonic dystrophy research eligible for funding through the U.S. Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program. This work has helped secure more than $23 million in federal support for DM research.

Building on this success, MDF launched a campaign several years ago to secure an additional $10 million in dedicated DM research funding through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). While we have made significant progress in building congressional support, the requested funding has not yet been included in the federal budget.

Earlier this year, MDF advocates from all 50 U.S. states sent 2,010 messages to Congress. That outreach directly translated into growing awareness and support. Twelve U.S. Senators signed Senator Amy Klobuchar’s letter supporting the request, and 17 U.S. Representatives signed Congressman Jared Moskowitz’s House letter. This is twice the congressional support secured in 2025.

The House Appropriations Committee has completed work on its Fiscal Year 2027 Defense and NIH funding bills, and the $10 million CDMRP request was not included in the House Defense bill. However, the Senate’s work remains unfinished, giving us another opportunity to influence the outcome.

Please email your Senators today. A sample message is ready for you. Personalize it with your connection to DM to help lawmakers understand why this funding matters.

Email you senators now!