WASHINGTON - Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin received the "Millennium Distinguished Public Service Award" from the American Diabetes Association's Mid-Atlantic Region on Tuesday, May 23 at their 18th annual fund-raising gala.

Rep. Cardin, a senior member of the House Ways & Means Committee, was honored by the American Diabetes Association's Maryland/Virginia/D.C. Chapters for his key role in helping enact the Medicare Diabetes Benefit as part of the 1997 Balanced Budget Act. The Congressman was the lead Democratic sponsor of the legislation that expanded Medicare to include coverage for diabetes monitoring -- test strips, glucose monitors, lancets and self-management training.

"I am very pleased that as one of the authors of this very important measure that we have made significant progress in covering more than six million seniors and disabled Americans who have been diagnosed with diabetes," said Rep. Cardin in accepting the award.

The Congressman also has supported increased NIH funding for diabetes research. In addition, he has introduced the Medicare Chronic Disease Prescription Drug Benefit, which would provide a prescription drug benefit for diabetes and other chronic diseases.