This week, lawmakers are moving quickly to finalize Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations before the January 30th deadline. With the release of the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (LHHS) appropriations bill, Congress now has a clear opportunity to protect critical programs relied upon by the disability community and avoid further disruption or another government shutdown.

The good news is the recently released bipartisan compromise FY26 LHHS bill fully funds the National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) at $10.7 million in FY26. The PRC is an essential, nationally run program that provides free information, referral services, peer mentoring, and support to people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers. This piece of legislation reflects strong bipartisan recognition of the national PRC’s impact and builds on years of advocacy by the Reeve Foundation community. The bill also fully funds other key ACL programs, including the Limb Loss Resource Center and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). It also restores federal defense investments in spinal cord injury research.

Since 2002, the PRC has served hundreds of thousands of individuals nationwide, helping people navigate life after paralysis and connecting them to resources that promote health, independence, and dignity. Through the Quality of Life grants program, the PRC also supports nonprofit organizations in communities across the country, expanding access to services and improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The PRC is the only program of its kind in the nation.

Passage of the FY26 LHHS appropriations bill is critical to ensuring the PRC can continue this lifesaving work without interruption. While full funding is included in the bill, it is not final until Congress votes to approve it. Congress has until January 30th to approve the bill, and if they do not, another government shutdown or Continuing Resolution could be the result.

Take action now!

Please contact your Representative and Senators today and urge them to vote YES on the FY2026 LHHS appropriations bill to fully fund the National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) at no less than $10.7 million in FY2026. Urge your Members of Congress to support passage of the bill and help ensure the PRC remains a strong, reliable resource for the paralysis community.

Your voice matters and passing this legislation will help protect the PRC and the millions who rely on it.