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Momentum is building: On June 18, Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (@repluna) and Chellie Pingree (@chelliepingree) introduced the Paraquat Prevention Act. This significant milestone reflects a growing recognition among lawmakers that paraquat poses a public health concern that deserves national attention. We spoke with Dan Feehan, MJFF’s chief policy and government affairs officer on where efforts to ban paraquat stand, what’s happening at the state and federal levels and how advocacy is helping drive change. Read more: michaeljfox.org/news/how-close…

Thank you @RepLuna and @chelliepingree for your leadership on the Paraquat Prevention Act. This bill represents an important step toward reducing environmental risk factors associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Today, @GovPhilScott signed H. 739 into law, making Vermont the first in the United States to ban paraquat, a pesticide linked to increased Parkinson’s disease risk. Upon signing the bill, Governor Scott said: “Today, I signed H.739, which phases out the use of the harmful herbicide paraquat over the coming years. I appreciate Michael J. Fox and his Foundation for their work on this issue and hope this can serve as a model for other states to follow.” Next, Vermont will end the sale and use of paraquat later this year, with a phased transition for certain crops until a full statewide ban takes effect in December 2030. 70+ countries and one U.S. state have now banned paraquat. This is a clear and critical message to other states and our federal government: The time to ban paraquat is now.

Vermont’s action shows why @RepLuna’s Farm Bill amendment matters: states must be able to act when pesticides threaten public health. Congress must protect state authority and ban paraquat.

This week, Vermont lawmakers passed bipartisan legislation to ban paraquat — and with the Governor’s signature, Vermont will become the first state in the U.S. to address this environmental risk linked to Parkinson’s disease. Every step of the way, advocates raised their voices, shared their experiences and pushed for change — and it resulted in a major victory for the Parkinson’s community. Vermont’s actions send a clear and critical message to other states and our federal government: the time to ban paraquat is now. Read more in our latest article about this historic milestone and how you can bring this change to your state. michaeljfox.org/news/vermont-p…

Today’s House vote was a critical win for public health and the Parkinson’s community. By passing the Luna Amendment, Congress removed harmful language from the Farm Bill that could have blocked states from adopting stronger pesticide protections — including efforts to ban dangerous herbicides like paraquat. We’re grateful to @RepLuna and all who voted to protect the public good.

Lawmakers need to hear from people impacted by paraquat — a pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease. The federal government is paying attention, but attention isn’t enough. More than 70 countries have banned paraquat, including the EU and China. The U.S. has not. If you or a loved one has a connection to paraquat or other environmental exposures, your story can help drive urgent action. 🔗 michaeljfox.org/advocacystory?…

Today's daily blessing: the incredible advocates at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research who came to Washington to share their stories and fight for a cure.

As Congress looks at @NIH funding, The Michael J. Fox Foundation stands united with @apdaparkinsons & @parkinsondotorg to say robust investment in research is essential. #FundNIH #Act4PD

Today I signed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act – a law that will help prevent, treat, and cure Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders. This law is about dignity. It gives people hope that we can end this cruel disease and that we can still do big things.

This just in: The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act has been signed into law! MJFF and our 2.75 million friends and advocates thank you, @POTUS Biden! And thanks to everyone who helped get us here: advocates, scientists, patients, families, clinicians, caregivers and legislators, especially the bill’s lead sponsors Senators @SenCapito and @ChrisMurphyCT and Representatives @RepGusBilirakis and @RepPaulTonko and other champions including Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer and Representative @RepWexton. In short order, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will create an advisory council and the National Parkinson's Project, a first-ever federal initiative to prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease, treat its symptoms and slow or stop its progression. Learn more: michaeljfox.org/national-parki…. Let’s get to work!

So grateful to all my colleagues- especially @RepPaulTonko, @RepWexton, @SenCapito, @ChrisMurphyCT and @brettguthrie for their support of this important legislation. This is an incredibly personal battle for me. Together, we will find a cure for this debilitating disease!

The Senate just passed my National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act! This is the first-ever legislation solely devoted to ending Parkinson’s disease.   Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease globally and I’ve heard many stories from WVians who have felt its impact. Once law, this will help move us towards new treatments and finally finding a cure. More details here ⬇️ capito.senate.gov/news/press-rel…

After months of advocating, the Senate just passed my National Plan to End Parkinson's Act—a bill I've been honored to champion alongside @RepGusBilirakis & @RepWexton. This marks a huge step towards improving and saving lives for millions of families living with this disease.

MJFF + our over 2.75 million friends and advocates across America thank you, @RepJoeWilson, for passing the National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Let’s get to work!

Breaking news — Congress has passed The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act! Passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate today, the bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This is a historic milestone for the PD community, and we could not have done it without our grassroots advocates who sent over 70,000 messages to their members of Congress urging their support. We’re also grateful to the 215 senators and representatives who championed this bill, especially its lead sponsors, Senators @SenCapito and @ChrisMurphyCT and Representatives @RepGusBilirakis and @RepPaulTonko. We also extend our thanks to Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer and Representative @RepWexton. Learn more and to send a pre-written thank you message to your members of Congress for making this happen. bit.ly/3Va637U

MJFF + our over 2.75 million friends and advocates across America thank you, @RepSusanWild, for passing the National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Let’s get to work!

MJFF + our over 2.75 million friends and advocates across America thank you, @RepWalberg, for passing the National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Let’s get to work!

MJFF + our over 2.75 million friends and advocates across America thank you, @RepVeasey, for passing the National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Let’s get to work!

MJFF + our over 2.75 million friends and advocates across America thank you, @Congressman_JVD, for passing the National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Let’s get to work!