The Bi-Partisan Epilepsy Caucus, Explained—and How You Can Advocate

With so many worthy causes competing for attention in today’s challenging times, it can sometimes feel like epilepsy gets put on the back burner. That’s exactly what the bipartisan Senate and House Congressional Epilepsy Caucus are working to change—by ensuring epilepsy awareness, lived experience, and policy solutions are part of the national conversation.

The Epilepsy Caucus brings together Members of Congress from both parties to elevate the needs of people living with epilepsy and seizure disorders, and to advance policies that improve care, access, research, and quality of life. Congressman Jimmy Panetta is one of its proud members—and we’re grateful for his leadership and partnership with our community.

What Is the Epilepsy Caucus?

The Congressional Epilepsy Caucus is a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy and advancing meaningful policies that support individuals and families impacted by the epilepsies.

• The House Epilepsy Caucus launched in February 2023

• The Senate Epilepsy Caucus launched in February 2024

  
  

Together, these Caucuses work to educate Members of Congress about the wide spectrum of epilepsy diagnoses, the daily realities of living with seizures, and the need for coordinated federal action. This includes improving access to care and medications, supporting epilepsy research, protecting health coverage, and promoting Seizure First Aid educationnationwide.

Their efforts help ensure the epilepsy community has a consistent, informed voice in Washington, D.C.

Who Is Leading the Effort?

The Epilepsy Caucus is intentionally bipartisan, with leaders from both sides of the aisle serving as co-chairs:

• Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC) – House Co-Chair

• Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) – House Co-Chair

• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) – Senate Co-Chair

• Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) – Senate Co-Chair

  
  

Epilepsy Caucus Leadership

This bipartisan leadership reinforces that epilepsy advocacy isn’t political—it’s personal, public health–driven, and focused on improving outcomes for millions of Americans.

What the Epilepsy Caucus Is Working On

Members of the Epilepsy Caucus have supported and reintroduced the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, a comprehensive initiative aimed at coordinating federal efforts related to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, research, and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

In addition, the Caucus works to:

• Improve access to epilepsy care and medications

• Expand Seizure First Aid training and awareness

• Support epilepsy research and data collection

• Protect disability rights, employment protections, and health coverage

  
  

These priorities reflect the real-world challenges faced by individuals and families affected by epilepsy—especially young adults navigating independence, work, education, and mental health.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta: A Proud Epilepsy Champion

We are especially proud that Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who represents California’s 19th District, is a member of the Congressional Epilepsy Caucus and a committed advocate for the epilepsy community.

Congressman Panetta has also been a meaningful partner to Young Adults with Epilepsy (YAWE). He met with our Executive Director, Wendy Steel, to learn more about YAWE’s mission, the importance of Seizure First Aid, and the unique challenges young adults with epilepsy face.

That relationship grew into something even more impactful when he attended—and presented at—our Tides of Hope Gala in July. His presence and remarks sent a powerful message to our community: epilepsy advocacy matters, and young adults living with epilepsy deserve visibility, understanding, and support.

Honored to have Jimmy Panetta attend & speak at YAWE's Tides of Hope Gala.

How You Can Get Your Representative Involved in Epilepsy Advocacy

One of the most powerful aspects of the Congressional Epilepsy Caucus is that it continues to grow—and community voices play a critical role in that growth.

Members of Congress often join caucuses because they hear directly from constituents. If epilepsy has touched your life, your family, or your community, your voice matters.

You can:

• Ask your Representative or Senator to join the Epilepsy Caucus

• Share your personal story and lived experience

• Invite them to learn more about epilepsy in your community

  
  

You can also request a meeting, either virtually or in person. Constituents do this every day—and offices expect it.

That’s exactly how our relationship with Congressman Panetta began. We requested a meeting, shared our mission, discussed Seizure First Aid, and explained how epilepsy impacts young adults and their families. That conversation opened the door to ongoing partnership and deeper engagement.

Meetings don’t need to be intimidating. Bring a short personal story, a few talking points, and one clear ask—such as joining the Epilepsy Caucus or learning more about epilepsy in their district.

Your lived experience is expertise—and it belongs in the room. Let's keep advocating!!