WASHINGTON – The House Wednesday (July 15) passed Steve Gleason's signature legislation by voice vote, sending it to President Barack Obama for his anticipated signature.
The bill would make speech generating devices, such as the one used by Gleason to communicate, more readily accessible for patients with ALS and other neurological disorders. It does this by making the devices eligible for reimbursement through Medicare and Medicaid.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, said Gleason inspired an entire city back in 2006 at the first New Orleans Saints game at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina when he blocked an Atlanta Falcons punt to give the Saints the first touchdown on the way to a 23-3 victory.