The U.S. House of Representatives has passed reauthorization bill (HR 3162), legislation which includes a one-year extension of the Type 1 Diabetes Special Funding Program at the National Institutes of Health and the Indian Health Service.The American Diabetes Association describes the inclusion of these programs and passage of the bill as a great first step toward the goal of a five-year extension and a nominal increase in funding to grow these vital programs.
From 1998 until next year, the special type 1 funding program will have provided $1.14 billion in research funds to support type 1 diabetes research. The House action is a step toward extending that funding beyond next year.
Beginning today, advocates across the country will be meeting with their Congressional representatives in an effort to push legislators to approve funding for type 1 diabetes research.
