House Advances SDPI Reauthorization

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday evening. The legislations would provide more transparency over the cost of medical procedures and lowers drug costs for patients. Included in the legislation was a provision to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) which currently serves nearly 780,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives each year. The legislation would extend funding for the program through fiscal year 2025.

“Reducing the high costs of prescription drugs and healthcare procedures should not be done so at the expense of biomedical research or community health programs,” said Cole. “I am proud this bill delivers on the promise of providing more affordable healthcare for the American people without limiting our ability to find cures and treatments and provide care in underserved areas.

“Furthermore, as diabetes disproportionately affects tribal communities, the inclusion of SDPI reauthorization in this legislation is critical to significantly improving the trajectory of diabetes in Indian Country and improving the health outcomes and quality of life for many Native Americans. I was proud to support the passage of this important, bipartisan legislation.”

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