Issue 132 Item 7 New Bill in US Congress Provides $1.5 Billion for Diabetes Rese

Congress passed the bill now the President Must Sign it! So Please Call! The U.S. Congress delivered a huge victory to diabetes advocates by passing a bill that provides $1.5 billion for diabetes research and programs over the next 5 years.

The legislation, H.R. 5738, provides additional funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which is comprised of two components: Type 1 research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and diabetes prevention and
treatment programs for American Indians through the Indian Health Service (IHS). Set to expire next year, the Special Diabetes Program has now been extended through 2008. Furthermore, funding for each component was expanded from $100 million annually to $150 million annually.

The final step is for President Bush sign the bill. Please call the White House at (202) 456-1111. Tell President Bush: