Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day, which seeks to draw awareness to Down syndrome and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and our communities.

All of us know someone who lives with Down syndrome, and we know that in spite of some extra challenges, they live full and robust lives surrounded by family and friends.

In order to provide those living with Down syndrome and other disabilities the best start possible, I was happy to cosponsor, along with a majority of my colleagues in the House, the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act, which was signed into law in 2014. This law empowers people with disabilities and their families to create a flexible account to help save for medical and dental care, education, community-based employment, community-based support, training, housing, and transportation.

My office participates in the Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. This program, which is a partnership with George Mason University's Mason LIFE program, gives students with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to gain congressional work experience. We have welcomed several bright young men and women who have made significant contributions to our office, and I am proud to participate in this vital program.

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