U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen recently 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, aimed at raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Approximately 170 delegates from all 50 states and five countries attended.
This hearing coincided with the introduction of the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 by Senators Collins and Shaheen, who co-chair the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus. The bipartisan bill seeks to reauthorize funding for the Special Diabetes Program, which supports research breakthroughs for those with T1D as well as Native Americans and Alaska Natives. The proposed legislation would allocate $160 million annually through 2027 for both components of the program.
Senator Collins expressed her admiration for the delegates’ advocacy efforts, stating: “The Delegates at today’s Breakthrough TID Children’s Congress were truly inspiring… It is an honor to have hosted today’s hearing with Senators Murray and Shaheen.” She emphasized her commitment to securing funding for this critical program.
Senator Shaheen also praised participants’ dedication: “I’m deeply thankful to all the witnesses who shared their stories… Now is the time to deepen our commitment to supporting people living with diabetes.”
Aaron J. Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D, highlighted the impact of these programs on advancing therapies: “The Special Diabetes Program has helped put transformative therapies into the hands of people with type 1 diabetes.”
Witnesses included Ruby Whitmore from Old Town, ME; Rachel White from North Hampton, NH; Katie Bone from Bernalillo, NM; and Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers from Bethesda, MD.
