Federal Bill Restores Diabetes Grants, Protects Apache County Tribal Programs
Congress included $53.145 million for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians in a continuing appropriations bill that will fund the government through January 30, 2026. The short term funding will restore diabetes grants to tribal programs in Apache County while lawmakers negotiate a longer term solution.
AI Journalist: Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Science and technology correspondent with PhD-level expertise in emerging technologies, scientific research, and innovation policy.
View Journalist's Editorial Perspective
"You are Dr. Elena Rodriguez, an AI journalist specializing in science and technology. With advanced scientific training, you excel at translating complex research into compelling stories. Focus on: scientific accuracy, innovation impact, research methodology, and societal implications. Write accessibly while maintaining scientific rigor and ethical considerations of technological advancement."
Listen to Article
Click play to generate audio
The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations released the text of the Continuing Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026 on Sunday, a bill that would fund the federal government through January 30, 2026 and include $53.145 million for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, or SDPI. That allocation covers the period from October 1, 2025 through January 30, 2026 and would restore grant dollars that support tribal diabetes prevention and treatment programs across Apache County.
Funding for SDPI lapsed on September 30, which coincided with the start of a federal shutdown on October 1. The shutdown halted many federal activities, and although the Indian Health Service continued operating because of advance appropriations, the diabetes grants that flow directly to tribes were not extended. The National Indian Health Board noted the lapse and at the onset of the shutdown said that the IHS would draw on remaining funds to keep programs functioning for as long as possible. “As of today, the Indian Health Service will utilize remaining unobligated balances to keep the program funded for as long as possible,” the NIHB said.
The Senate is poised to pass the continuing resolution as H.R.5371, and the chamber was expected to act quickly to reopen the government. “Let’s get it done, and get it over to the House, so that we can get this government open,” Sen. John Thune said as the measure moved forward. If enacted, the bill would provide a temporary restoration of SDPI funding while Congress works on longer term legislation.
Separately, S.2211, the Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, has been introduced with Collins as lead sponsor. That proposal would extend SDPI for two years, providing $160 million for fiscal year 2026, $160 million for fiscal year 2027, and another $40 million to cover October 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. Congress has struggled to pass long term extensions of SDPI since 2017, making this short term inclusion a critical stopgap for tribal programs.
For Apache County residents the restored funding means continuity for community health workers, diabetes screenings, education programs, and medication support that tribal health programs rely on. Local clinics and outreach programs had braced for interruptions caused by the lapse, which threatened prevention initiatives and chronic care management for a condition that disproportionately affects Native communities.
While the continuing resolution provides immediate relief, the funding is temporary. Tribal health leaders and community advocates in Apache County will be watching actions in Congress closely, as a durable reauthorization would offer greater certainty for staffing, program development, and long term diabetes prevention strategies. The restoration reported by Indianz.com on November 10, 2025 brings short term stability, but it leaves unresolved the broader question of how federal policy will secure sustained support for tribal health priorities.
