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Advocacy in Action

September 22, 2023

September 30 Deadline Approaches for Government Funding and Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization

We are days away from the September 30 deadline for two issues important to our members: funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP).

  • Members of Congress have yet to agree on funding levels for the next fiscal year. If Congress is unable to pass an appropriations bill by the September 30 deadline, it will need to pass a continuing resolution that will fund the government at the current year’s level, or the federal government will “shutdown” until funding legislation is passed. Continuing resolutions and government shutdowns prevent research teams from making groundbreaking discoveries and disrupt the entire public health continuum. Consequently, the Endocrine Society is urging Congress to complete its work on the FY24 spending bill as soon as possible.
  • Funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) will expire on September 30 if Congress does not pass legislation to reauthorize the program. SDP is a federal initiative aimed at accelerating diabetes research, improving treatment options, and finding a cure for diabetes. It is comprised of two components—the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Many of the 37 million Americans living with diabetes rely on this program, and the Endocrine Society is urging Congress to pass legislation that would extend the program for two years and increase its funding by 13%.

TAKE ACTION:Using our online campaign tool, join the Endocrine Society in urging Congress to complete the FY24 appropriations process and reauthorize SDP.It’s critical that every member of Congress hears from their constituents about the importance of addressing these two issues before the September 30 deadline.

Society Hosts Briefing to Educate Congressional Staff on Anti-Obesity Medications; Treat and Reduce Obesity Act Highlighted During Congressional Hearing

This week, the Endocrine Society hosted a briefing to educate members of Congress and their staff about anti-obesity medications (AOMs). The briefing featured two Endocrine Society members who have expertise in treating obesity. Dr. Jonathan Purnell, Professor of Medicine at Oregon Health & Sciences University, provided attendees with an overview of AOMs, how they work, and the barriers to access. Dr. Rocio Pereira, Director of the Office of Health Equity and Chief of Endocrinology at Denver Health, spoke about the health inequities that exist in obesity treatment and care. The briefing was part of the Society’s ongoing effort to educate Congress about the obesity epidemic supported by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company In the past year, we have conducted several Congressional briefings on different topics related to obesity and released an Obesity Playbook, which offers a “101” education about obesity for congressional staff. You can click here to watch a recording of the briefing.

Prior to our briefing, the House Energy & Commerce Health subcommittee conducted a hearing to discuss the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), which would take steps to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the full range of obesity treatment options. The bill would remove Medicare restrictions pertaining to Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT), which is an effective lifestyle intervention for obesity that includes dietary and nutrition assessment to promote weight loss. TROA would also ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can access FDA approved anti-obesity medications, which are scientifically proven to be effective at treating obesity. Medicare is currently prohibited from covering anti-obesity medications and legislative action is needed to give Medicare the authority to cover these medications.

The Endocrine Society endorsed TROA when it was introduced, and we continue to work with the bill’s cosponsors to garner support. The Society also released a joint statement with the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) in support of TROA, which was submitted to the Energy & Commerce Committee record.

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We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your U.S representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.

We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your U.S representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.

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For 100 years, the Endocrine Society has been at the forefront of hormone science and public health. Read about our history and how we continue to serve the endocrine community.