House Sends Government Funding Legislation with Key Shaheen Priorities to the Senate
**Shaheen, a Senior Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Secured Numerous NH Provisions in Government Funding Bill**
**PFAS Measures Championed & Supported by Shaheen Included in Government Funding Legislation**
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the newly released government funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2020. In her role on the Appropriations Committee, Shaheen helps write the government funding legislation that must be passed every year by Congress. The legislation—which is written in two bills—was passed by the House of Representatives this afternoon and will next be considered in the Senate before it is sent to the President to be signed into law.
“As I helped write this legislation, prioritizing the concerns I hear every day from our communities were at the top of my list. These bills make real progress on those issues – expanding access to substance use disorder treatment, investing in PFAS research and remediation and finding bipartisan compromise to improve the health care law,” said Shaheen. “I’ll continue to reach across the aisle to build on this important work, and I look forward to seeing this legislation swiftly through Congress and to the President’s desk.”
Priorities secured or supported by Senator Shaheen in the fiscal year 2020 funding legislation include:
Repeal of Health Insurance Tax
The funding legislation includes an important health care priority for Senator Shaheen –relief from the Health Insurance Tax for individuals and small businesses. The funding legislation would permanently repeal the Health Insurance Tax. The bill also repeals the Cadillac Tax and Medical Device Tax. Shaheen led bipartisan legislation with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) to suspend implementation of the health insurance tax from going into effect to help reduce premiums for Granite Staters. Earlier this month, she and Gardner sent a letter to Senate and House leadership reiterating their call for a suspension of the tax. Shaheen has supported bipartisan efforts to repeal the Cadillac and Medical Device Taxes.
Flexibility for Treatment Providers to Use State Opioid Response Grants to Expand Treatment to Granite Staters with Meth & Cocaine Use
Working with Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO) of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen included a key provision to the funding legislation that provides flexibility for treatment providers to be able to use opioid response grant dollars to help patients suffering from meth and cocaine dependency, in addition to opioid use disorder. Currently, federal law only allows State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to be used by providers to treat patients who suffer from opioid-related substance use disorders. The provision is based on a key component of Shaheen’s Turn the Tide Act, which she introduced in July, and originated from Senator Shaheen’s discussions with New Hampshire treatment providers. In October, Shaheen called on Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to provide this flexibility in the government funding legislation for FY2020. In addition to the flexibility provision, the bill also funds the SOR grant program at $1.5 billion for the year and maintains the 15 percent set-aside for hardest-hit states that Shaheen secured in government funding legislation in each of the past two years.
Critical Funding for Department of Justice Anti-Opioid Grants
Senator Shaheen helped procure $518 million in Department of Justice (DOJ) grant programs to help communities respond to substance abuse including opioids, which is an increase of $42 million from FY19 levels. Shaheen also successfully added language to the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) at the DOJ to expand grant categories for new areas to include prevention and education programs for youth, law enforcement assisted diversion, and response teams to assist children dealing with the aftermath of opioid addiction.
Boost in Federal Opioid Response Efforts
In addition to boosting funding for anti-opioid grants, Shaheen also supported a number of other measures to combat the substance use disorder epidemic, including $476 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Enhanced State Opioid Overdose Surveillance and Prevention program; $41.68 billion for the National Institutes of Health, including $818 million to prioritize research into non-addictive alternatives to opioids, addiction treatment and pain treatment; $1.63 billion for community health centers (CHCs), which is funding in addition to the mandatory funding CHCs receive each year; and $90 million for the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act programs.
Increase in Federal Resources for Department of Homeland Security to Interdict & Investigate Opioid-Related Cases
Senator Shaheen helped secure $30.6 million for the Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) to support the agency’s efforts of pursuing opioid-related cases. President Trump’s budget proposal to Congress did not include any federal resources for HIS. Shaheen also successfully included federal resources for non-intrusive inspection equipment and other technologies at the southern border to help interdict drugs. Senator Shaheen has continuously advocated for technological investments at our southern border to effectively stem the flow of illicit drugs into the United States through ports of entry.
Prioritize Inclusion of Life-Saving Opioid Overdose Reversal Drug in Airline Emergency Medical Kits
Senator Shaheen worked across the aisle to add a provision directing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue additional guidance to air carriers to ensure the timely inclusion of opioid reversal drugs in emergency medical kits (EMKs) carried by passenger airlines. Earlier this year, Shaheen and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) called on the FAA to act swiftly in issuing regulations requiring the inclusion of this lifesaving medication in EMKs. The agency recently agreed that there is a need to add opioid antagonists like naloxone to EMKs. Shaheen led the charge in 2018, calling on the agency to issue these regulations in response to the nation’s growing substance use disorder epidemic.
Grant Funding for States to Improve Mental Health Services for Law Enforcement:
Senator Shaheen worked to add $5 million for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, of which $3 million will be provided in grants for state and local law enforcement agencies to use for improved mental health services, training to reduce stigma of officers seeking help and programs to address handling repeated exposure to stress and trauma. Currently, federal agencies do not keep statistics regarding police suicide – this legislation would direct the Department of Justice to collect data on this critical issue and report on it.
Highest Funding Level Ever for Violence Against Women Act Programs
For the third year in a row, Senator Shaheen successfully added the highest funding amount ever for Violence Against Women Act programs, totaling $502.5 million. Shaheen is the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee that writes the funding legislation for DOJ programs, including VAWA.
Funding for PFAS Health Impact Study and to Examine Safety of Firefighters’ Personal Protective Equipment & Additional Federal Assistance for PFAS Remediation at Contaminated Sites
Senator Shaheen has spearheaded efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects related to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, respond to the chemical exposure and remediate polluted sites. In the government funding legislation, Shaheen secured an additional $10 million to support the PFAS health impact study she established in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Shaheen was previously successful in pushing for Pease to serve as a model site for the nationwide study, and it is currently accepting participants. The funding legislation also includes $251 million for aqueous firefighting foam replacement and disposal, and PFAS remediation at military bases. Senator Shaheen secured $2 million for research into firefighter personal protective equipment, which is a key component in her bipartisan bill with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) that takes important steps to address concerns regarding firefighters’ occupational exposure to PFAS chemicals through their personal protective equipment.
The funding legislation includes $43 million for the EPA to help states address PFAS contamination and remediation, as well as language authored by Shaheen that urges the EPA to expeditiously remediate Superfund sites contaminated by emerging contaminants, including PFAS. The bill also provides more than $12.8 million in support of EPA efforts to designate PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, also known as CERCLA. Earlier this year, Senator Shaheen cosponsored legislation that would mandate that the EPA within one year of enactment declare PFAS as hazardous substances eligible for cleanup funds under CERCLA.
Continued Efforts on Pediatric Cancer Research
Senator Shaheen helped secure a 50 percent increase over last year’s levels for the implementation of Trevor’s Law, which monitors cancer clusters – including pediatric cancers – and provides outreach to communities affected by cancer clusters. This year’s funding bill includes $1.5 million to implement the law. A report from the CDC indicated that between 2003 and 2014, New Hampshire had the highest pediatric cancer rate in the country—with 205 pediatric cancer cases per 1,000,000 in the population. Last year, Senator Shaheen successfully added an amendment to government funding legislation that bolstered support for public outreach to raise awareness of contributing factors for pediatric cancers in New Hampshire. The funding legislation also provides $25 million for implementation of the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, which supports childhood cancer survivorship research at the NIH.
Federal Support to Establish National Cancer Registry for Firefighters
This legislation includes $2.5 million to implement the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, which Senator Shaheen cosponsored. The funding bill bolsters efforts to implement a national cancer registry that firefighters can voluntarily use to report cancer incidences. The registry tracks data on cancer rates among firefighters and helps identify cancer-related environmental risk factors associated with firefighting. Firefighters are more likely to be exposed to PFAS chemicals, which is found in firefighting foam.
Federal Support for Firefighters
Senator Shaheen supported increasing funding for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program, helping to secure $355 million – a $5 million boost over last year’s funding levels. She also helped secure a $5 million increase for a total of $355 million for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, which helps ensure state and local firefighters are adequately equipped.
Continued Financial Relief for New Hampshire and New England Fishermen & Bolstered Investments for NH Ocean Research and Conservation Efforts
Shaheen has repeatedly prevented the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from imposing the costly at-sea monitoring fee on Granite State fishermen, and she has once again secured necessary funding to prevent the burden from being imposed on fishermen. The bill includes $10.3 million in additional funding to cover the observer fees, as well as $2 million for lobster research, $2.5 million for New England groundfish research and $3 million for research and monitoring of the highly-endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, including a pilot program into innovative lobster gear.
Shaheen successfully increased funding for Sea Grant by $6 million, totaling $74 million nationally. Sea Grant is a public-private partnership and collaborates with the University of New Hampshire to study marine and coastal resources and developments. Additionally, the bill includes $77 million for NOAA’s Coastal Zone Management Grant program, which is a $1.5 million increase over previous funding levels.
Additional Federal Resources to Coast Guard Fishing Safety Training & Research Grants
Senator Shaheen worked to include $6 million for Coast Guard fishing safety training and research grants. Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced bipartisan legislation with Senators Markey (D-MA), Sullivan (R-AK), King (I-ME), Collins (R-ME), Murkowski (R-AK), Warren (D-MA) and Hassan (D-NH) – the Funding Instruction for Safety Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies (FISH SAFE) Act— which would restore the size of the federal share of fishing safety training and research grants. Understanding the daunting conditions that fishermen face on the job, Senator Shaheen has worked across the aisle to support fishing safety programs.
Prioritization of Maintenance Dredging for Rye Harbor
Senator Shaheen helped procure $7.65 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers to complete necessary infrastructure projects in New Hampshire and across the country. This is $651 million above last year’s funding level, and includes the funding necessary to begin maintenance dredging of Rye Harbor.
Shaheen also added language to the bill that urges the Corps to expedite scheduled maintenance at small and low-use ports that have experienced unexpected levels of deterioration since their last dredging, such as Rye Harbor. Once funding legislation is signed into law, the Corps will develop its Work Plan for FY2020, in which Senator Shaheen will continue to urge the Corps to prioritize maintenance dredging at Rye Harbor. Senator Shaheen has continuously pushed for dredging at the harbor, writing a letter to the Corps last October urging them to prioritize the project and touring the harbor in August to see the shoaling up close and discuss the issue with Corps officials and local fishermen.
After continued advocacy by Shaheen, last year the Corps included emergency dredging for Hampton-Seabrook Harbor in its 2019 Work Plan.
Investments at Pease Air National Guard Base
Senator Shaheen fought to procure 12 KC-46 Pegasus refueling tankers. Thanks to strong advocacy by Senator Shaheen and the New Hampshire National Guard, Pease was selected as the Air Force’s first Air National Guard KC-46 main operating base, an economic benefit to Pease and the surrounding community. The KC-46 replaces the Air Force’s 1950’s-era aerial refueling fleet of KC-135s and will serve as the backbone of American air operations for decades to come. The last KC-135 departed Pease in March to make way for the KC-46. Shaheen participated in the arrival event for the first KC-46 to Pease in August.
Military Readiness Priorities for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Shaheen worked to authorize the procurement of two new Virginia-class submarines—which are repaired and maintained at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—as well as the authorization of funds for advanced procurement to mitigate an attack submarine shortfall. Senator Shaheen has long been a steadfast supporter of the Virginia-class, and a fierce advocate for Shipyard priorities.
Pay Raise for Service Members and Civilian Department of Defense Employees
The funding legislation includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for service members and civilian Department of Defense workers. This is the largest increase in a decade.
Support for Military Spouse Occupational Licensing
Senator Shaheen secured $2.75 million to implement her bipartisan legislation with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) that will improve the transferability of military spouses’ occupational licenses, and also help alleviate the burden spouses endure if they’re small business owners from having to constantly re-register their businesses as they move from state to state with their families. Shaheen and Cotton succesfully added this legislation to the final FY2020 NDAA. At a press conference with Senator Cotton and Second Lady Karen Pence in May, Shaheen highlighted the story of Andrea Krull, whose husband is a Granite Stater, and her personal experience of having to continuously re-establish her business as a consultant with every move.
Federal Assistance for the ‘Beyond Yellow Ribbon’ Program to Help Granite State Service Members & Families
Senator Shaheen helped secure $20 million for the Beyond Yellow Ribbon (BYR) program, which funds the New Hampshire National Guard’s Care Coordination Program. BYR programs provide outreach services to troops returning from deployment, including health care, marriage and financial counseling, substance misuse treatment and mental health services.
Shaheen Saves NBRC from Elimination & Boosts Federal Investments Above Last Year’s Funding Levels
Senator Shaheen helped secure $25 million for the Northern Border Regional Commission, which is a $5 million increase above the FY2019 funding level and the highest the program has ever been funded. President Trump’s budget proposal sought to eliminate the program entirely. In March, Shaheen and members of the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation vowed to fight the President’s efforts to cut funding for the program. The NBRC helps address community and economic development needs throughout the Northern Forest region. Last year, Senator Shaheen’s bipartisan legislation to extend the authorization of the NBRC and expand its reach to include Cheshire County and communities in Belknap County was included the Farm Bill, which was signed into law. The funding legislation also includes $750,000 for the NBRC State Capacity Building Grant Program, a new program Shaheen established to increase the region’s capacity for business retention and expansion, increase access to high-speed broadband, and other critical infrastructure.
Increased Funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to Preserve Lands in NH & Across the Nation
Senator Shaheen successfully secured $495 million in federal funding – $60 million over previous funding levels – for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which helps preserve and maintain critical lands for national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and recreational areas across the country. Shaheen has led efforts to help secure full funding and permanent authorization for the LWCF, which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. Shaheen’s bipartisan bill to permanently reauthorize the LWCF was included in legislation that was signed into law earlier this year.
Revitalizing America’s Forest Economy
Shaheen also helped secure $5 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Wood Energy Program (CWEP), a competitive grant program that aims to assist with the costs of installing high-efficiency, biomass-fueled energy systems. This is the first time this program has received funding since it was first authorized in 2008. Senator Shaheen has long advocated for America’s forests and initiatives that would survey and repurpose biomass for clean energy uses. Shaheen’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) – the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act – was included in the Farm bill signed into law last year. Their bipartisan bill expands eligibility for CWEP, incentivizes investments in energy-efficient wood energy systems and supports facilities that repurpose low-grade, low-value wood that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
Continued Support for Research and Development in Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Programs
Senator Shaheen worked to secure over $2.8 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), which is an increase of over $460 million above last year’s funding level. This includes $308.5 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), a program long-championed by Senator Shaheen that helps to lower energy costs for low-income families by making energy efficiency modifications to their homes. The funding in this year’s bill for WAP also increased by $51.5 million.
The bill also includes $62.5 million for the State Energy Program (SEP), which assists states with the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. President Trump’s budget request for FY 2020 ended funding for both of these programs.
The funding measure also includes Shaheen’s Investing in State Energy Act, which would prevent undue delay in distributing the WAP and SEP funds to state agencies and local partners.
Promoting American Energy Jobs
Senator Shaheen worked to include language requiring the Department of Energy (DOE) to publish an annual energy and employment report to quantify energy jobs in the United States, and examine energy production and distribution sectors of the economy. This provision is based on Shaheen’s bipartisan bill with Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ), the Promoting American Energy Jobs Act.
The U.S. energy sector is a major driver of job creation and economic growth. Shaheen’s provision will help improve our understanding of the employment makeup of this industry, which is critical to making informed policy and business decisions that will address workforce challenges and assist in the deployment of energy resources.
Support for New Hampshire Public Lands
The funding bill also includes language authored by Shaheen urging the U.S. Forest Service to improve coordination with state agencies and local partners to address the land management and law enforcement costs that have fallen to these local entities. While the cost of federal land management has grown substantially, much of the responsibility for daily activities on this land falls to state and local agencies. In New Hampshire, conservation officers patrol and are called upon to enforce laws and conduct search and rescue operations on more than 700,000 acres in the White Mountain National Forest. Last year, Shaheen led the New Hampshire delegation in a letter to the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service urging them to meet with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss potential funding options to cover these federal land management expenses.
Added Investments in Transportation and Infrastructure
Senator Shaheen helped secure a $100 million increase in federal funding for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program (formerly known as TIGER), which is run by the Department of Transportation and supports investments in transportation infrastructure projects across the country, totaling $1 billion for FY2020. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen has fought to bring federal dollars back to New Hampshire to invest in critical transportation and infrastructure projects to fix the Granite State’s roads, rail, bridges and ports. In June, Shaheen reintroduced legislation, the Strengthen and Fortify Existing (SAFE) Bridges Act, to begin to address the more than 47,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country. Last month, Shaheen announced a $12 million BUILD grant for a bridge project in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.
Increased Aid for Rural Small Businesses and Farmers to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements
Senator Shaheen successfully boosted funding for the Rural Energy for American Program to $706 million for FY 2020, a significant increase over previous funding levels, which were $335 million in FY2019. The program helps farmers and small business owners in rural communities improve their energy efficiency or purchase renewable energy systems.
Long-term Emergency Care for U.S. Government Employees & Dependents Injured while Serving in China and Cuba
Shaheen successfully secured language to provide long-term, emergency care benefits for injured U.S. Government employees—and their dependents—who served overseas. Currently, a group of over 40 employees have been designated by the U.S. Government as suffering injuries as a result of a hostile action or health incident while serving in China and Cuba. This provision would provide for their prescribed care, as well as the care of their injured dependents, if their insurance or worker’s compensation benefits fall short.
In March, CBS 60 Minutes reported on the first-hand accounts of the diplomats serving in China who have experienced these alarming health conditions and the disturbing lack of care and support from the U.S. government, despite the fact that their symptoms appear to match those of U.S. diplomats who were working in Havana, Cuba. The 60 Minutes report featured a letter from Senator Shaheen to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo requesting that the State Department “re-examine the cases from China … and provide all injured personnel with equal access to treatment, leave and benefits.”
Implementation of Shaheen Legislation to Bolster Women’s Leadership in Peace Negotiations & Conflict Resolution
In 2017, Senator Shaheen’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), the Women, Peace and Security Act, was signed into law, requiring the U.S. Government to encourage the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention and peace negotiations—for the first time. To complement this mandate, Shaheen secured funding for the first time last year to implement key provisions of that bill at the Pentagon. This year, Shaheen has yet again secured a record amount, $7 million, to streamline women, peace and security priorities at the Department of Defense and to hire gender advisors, who amongst other duties, help conduct outreach to various populations in support of U.S. operations. The Women, Peace and Security Act ensures the United States continues to advocate for women’s inclusion and engagement in the peace-building process to prevent, moderate and resolve violent conflict—worldwide.
Direct Secretary of State to Comply with Law & Prioritize Afghan Women’s Inclusion in Peace Negotiations
Shaheen added her provision directing the Secretary of State to comply with the Women, Peace and Security Act to prioritize Afghan women’s inclusion in peace negotiations.
The Women, Peace and Security Act bolsters women’s roles in peace negotiations and conflict resolution around the world. Shaheen has led efforts in Congress pushing the Trump administration to prioritize Afghan women’s inclusion in peace negotiations. In February, Shaheen led a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, urging the administration to prioritize women’s inclusion in peace negotiations between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan, and to protect the United States’ investment in the rights of women and girls. During a Senate Foreign Relations hearing in April, Shaheen repeatedly asked Secretary of State Pompeo to commit to making Afghan women’s inclusion in negotiations a foreign policy priority, to which he refused. Earlier this year, Shaheen met with women leaders in Afghanistan about the urgency and importance of their representation in the peace talks.
Reauthorize Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
As the lead in the Senate for the continuation of the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, Senator Shaheen secured 4,000 additional Afghan SIVs in this spending legislation. The SIV program is the only path to ensuring the safety of Afghan allies that have aided U.S. service members and diplomats. Shaheen has led bipartisan efforts in Congress to reauthorize additional Afghan SIVs, and historically partnered with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on this priority. Shaheen introduced new bipartisan legislation earlier this year that would reauthorize 4,000 Afghan SIVs for FY 2020.
Deterring Russian Influence
Senator Shaheen supported $290 million for the Countering Russian Influence Fund, which helps bolster the defenses of nations under threat of Russian influence and interference throughout Europe and Eurasia.
Senator Shaheen has led calls in the Senate for investment and reforms to prevent attacks on our democracy which includes introducing legislation that would require presidential campaigns to report foreign interference in U.S. elections. She has also led efforts in Congress to hold Russia accountable for its election interference. Because of her role as a negotiator on Russia sanctions legislation known as “CAATSA” and her efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression, Shaheen was sanctioned by the Kremlin in 2017.
Key Federal Investments in Before-and After-School Programs
At a previous Senate hearing, Senator Shaheen pressed Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on the importance of funding 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), which support 68 after-school programs and approximately 6,000 students in New Hampshire. Though the President’s budget proposal for FY 2020 sought to eliminate the grant program, Senator Shaheen fought to ensure continued funding and helped deliver $1.25 billion in this funding legislation.
More than $1 Billion Increase for Early Childhood Education
Senator Shaheen worked to include massive increases to fund key early childhood education programs at record levels. Specifically, the bill provides an additional $550 million for Head Start, funding the program at $10.6 billion, as well as an additional $550 million increase to $5.826 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which provides funding to states to support child care programs and services.
Increased Funding for Special Education
Senator Shaheen helped secure a $410 million increase for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act grants to states, funding these at a total of $13.6 billion. This federal funding is critical for helping states and school districts cover the costs of providing free and appropriate public education for all students with disabilities. Senator Shaheen leads an annual letter to Appropriations Committee leadership calling for robust funding for these grants.
Bolstering Investments in Diabetes Prevention and Research
Senator Shaheen, co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, saw to a $2 million increase in funding over last year’s levels for the National Diabetes Prevention Program at the CDC for a total of $27.3 million. Shaheen has worked to increase awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, invest in research and improve access to treatment options. Shaheen has consistently pressed to hold insulin manufacturers, insurers and PBMs accountable for the skyrocketing cost of life-saving insulin. In March, Shaheen and Senator Collins (R-ME) reintroduced their bill to expand access to diabetes self-management training, and last month they led the bipartisan push in the Senate to ensure continued support for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). Authorization for the SDP was also extended until May 2020 as a part of the funding bill. Senator Shaheen also successfully secured an $85 million increase in funding for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) within NIH. This additional funding will support NIDDK’s work to advance research on treatments for diabetes.
