NIH Special Diabetes Program Hearing & Funding Concerns Notes

Acknowledgement of Recent Tragedy

  • Speaker begins with a “point of personal privilege.”
  • Expresses condolences for the recent tragedy in Texas.
  • Thanks first-responders who “rushed into danger.”
  • Pledges that Congress stands ready to help Texas “recover and rebuild.”

Purpose of Today’s Hearing

  • Convened by Chair Collins.
  • Focus: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Special Diabetes Program (SDP).
  • Mission: Support life-changing research for people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
  • Special emphasis on testimony from “kids and young adults” living with T1D who traveled nationwide to attend.
  • Recognition of nationwide representation; at least one attendee from Washington State (speaker’s home state).

Importance of Patient & Advocate Voices

  • Personal stories influence congressional action on funding.
  • Understanding real-world experiences with diabetes is central to good policy.

NIH Special Diabetes Program (SDP) – Overview & Achievements

  • Long history of accomplishment.
  • Highlights:
    • Development & market release of artificial-pancreas devices.
    • Introduction of new medications that delay T1D diagnosis.
    • Improved care for patients with severe complications.
  • Implied future value: “More breakthroughs… just around the corner.”

Concern: Trump Administration Funding Freeze

  • Administration has “terminated or frozen more than (260)(260) grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).”
  • Characterized as jeopardizing “care and research that people are counting on.”
Specific Examples of Cancelled Grants
  • Washington State (4 grants lost)
    • Clinical trial on blood pressure among (200)(200) hemodialysis patients.
    • Grant designed to train the next generation of researchers.
  • Columbia University
    • Termination of funding for research into how T1D impacts bone strength in children (goal: prevent fractures, enable normal physical activity).

Constitutional & Legislative Authority over Funding

  • Speaker states: “Trump does not get to decide funding for diabetes. Congress does.”
  • Bipartisan commitment cited to maintain/strengthen investment in T1D research.

Call to Action

  • Urges colleagues to “reject what is happening… to biomedical research at NIH.”
  • Emphasizes advocacy: most effective tool is “our voices.”
    • Encourage sharing of personal stories to illustrate stakes.
  • Confident prediction: With strong advocacy, Congress will protect and expand funding, leading ultimately to a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Closing Remarks

  • Gratitude directed to Chair Collins, fellow committee members, and advocates in attendance.
  • Reiterates belief in continued progress through investment and research.
  • Final “Thank you.”