The National Plan for Epilepsy Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a comprehensive plan to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and potential cure for epilepsy. This includes forming an advisory council to oversee research and services related to epilepsy and ensuring regular reports to Congress on progress and recommendations. The requirements of the bill will end on December 31, 2035.
The bill has been positively received for its proactive approach to addressing epilepsy, a condition that affects millions of Americans. Supporters highlight the importance of coordinated efforts across federal agencies and the establishment of an advisory council as crucial steps toward improving care and advancing research in epilepsy.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies and the sunset provision, arguing that a long-term commitment is necessary to effectively tackle the complexities of epilepsy. Some media outlets have questioned whether the establishment of a council and periodic reports will lead to meaningful change or merely add another layer of administration.
The National Plan for Epilepsy Act, sponsored by Eric Schmitt, presents a significant potential conflict of interest due to the substantial financial contributions from the health professionals sector, totaling $240 million. This industry directly overlaps with the bill's subject matter, which focuses on health-related issues, particularly epilepsy. The lack of PAC contributions suggests that these funds are likely coming from individual donors within the health sector, indicating a strong personal interest in the outcomes of health-related legislation. Voters should be aware that such a high level of financial influence could skew legislative priorities towards the interests of these donors rather than the public good.
Additionally, while there is lobbying activity in related areas, the undisclosed amounts from certain lobbying firms raise further concerns about transparency and accountability. The combination of significant donations from health professionals and the potential for undisclosed lobbying efforts creates an environment where the interests of donors may overshadow the needs of constituents. This situation warrants close scrutiny as it may lead to legislation that favors donor interests over broader public health objectives.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professionals (H01) | Sector | Health | $240,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $240,000,000 | ||
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| STRIPE, INC. | STRIPE, INC. | $530,000 |
| SAILDRONE INC. | SAILDRONE INC. | $410,042 |
| SAILDRONE INC. | SAILDRONE INC. | $377,725 |
| OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA INC | OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. | $158,589 |
| INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S ASSOCIATION | INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S ASSOCIATION | $150,000 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND | BOUNDARY STONE PARTNERS | $30,000 |
| SEEING MACHINES | GRIFFIN STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE | GRIFFIN STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. | DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY, LLC | $30,000 |
| IOOS ASSOCIATION | ESP ADVISORS, LLC | $20,000 |
| ATA ACTION | RS GROUP CONSULTING LLC | $6,000 |
| END SEPSIS | CURRENTSTRATEGIC LLC | undisclosed |
| TECHNEST SOLUTIONS S.L.A. DBA FORTRIS ON BEHALF OF NEXUSONE CONSULTING | CURRENTSTRATEGIC LLC | undisclosed |
| SBCC EQUIPMENT | DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY, LLC | undisclosed |
| BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION | SUMMIT HEALTH CARE CONSULTING | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Eric Schmitt, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
