U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen hosted a hearing titled, “A Future Without Type 1 Diabetes: Accelerating Breakthroughs and Creating Hope,” in Washington, D.C. The event was part of the Breakthrough T1D Children’s Congress, which aims to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Around 170 delegates from all 50 states and five countries attended.
The hearing coincided with the introduction of the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 by Senators Collins and Shaheen. This bipartisan bill seeks to reauthorize funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which supports research for Type 1 diabetes and aids Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The proposed legislation would allocate $160 million annually through 2027 for each program component.
“The Delegates at today’s Breakthrough TID Children’s Congress were truly inspiring,” said Senator Collins. She emphasized her role in securing increased funding for the program in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill but noted that current funding is set to expire in September.
Senator Shaheen expressed gratitude to those who shared their stories at the hearing. “Now is the time to deepen our commitment to supporting people living with diabetes,” she stated, highlighting the need for increased federal investment in research.
Aaron J. Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D, praised Senators Collins and Shaheen for their leadership. He noted that the Special Diabetes Program has been instrumental in advancing therapies for people with T1D.
Witnesses at the hearing included Ruby Whitmore from Old Town, ME; Rachel White from North Hampton, NH; Katie Bone from Bernalillo, NM; and Griffin P. Rodgers from Bethesda, MD.
