(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after his bipartisan amendment to provide $5 million for alpha-gal syndrome research was included in the underlying text of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

"Today marks an important step forward for the hundreds of thousands of Americans living with alpha-gal syndrome. By including my bipartisan amendment to invest $5 million in dedicated research, Congress is finally beginning to address a growing health challenge that has gone underrecognized and underfunded for far too long.

"For too many families, an alpha-gal diagnosis has meant navigating life-altering condition without answers, treatments, or resources they deserve. This investment will help researchers better understand the disease, improve care for patients, and move us closer to effective treatments. I'm grateful to my bipartisan partners and advocates who helped elevate this issue and ensure these families were heard.

"Unfortunately, despite this important victory, House Republican leadership chose to include deeply partisan provisions unrelated to our national defense - including language from the SAVE Act and discriminatory amendments targeting LGBTQ+ Americans - which prevented me from supporting final passage of the legislation.

"My opposition to the final bill should not be mistaken for opposition to our troops or the important bipartisan priorities included in the underlying legislation. I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance policies that strengthen our national defense, support our servicemembers, and improve the lives of the people we are sent here to serve - without sacrificing the civil rights and constitutional protections that define our democracy."

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.