Deondra Dixon Include Project Act of 2025

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Colorado for yielding.

I rise in strong support of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act and applaud my colleagues, Representative Diana DeGette and Richard Hudson, for championing this critical piece of legislation.

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act will help ensure the NIH INCLUDE Project continues advancing research that improves health outcomes, expands scientific understanding, and enhances quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

This legislation builds upon one of our Nation's most successful investments in Down syndrome research. Already, these investments have led to major breakthroughs in how Down syndrome interacts with other health conditions that have a high incidence in the community, such as immune system disorders, cancer, Alzheimer's, and more.

Every one of these breakthroughs carries the hope for a brighter tomorrow for individuals living with Down syndrome.

I would also like to recognize that this progress doesn't happen without sustained advocacy. In particular, I would like to highlight the role of the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award and its founder, Michelle Sie Whitten, for their tireless advocacy to make this happen today.

I again thank our co-leads, Representatives DeGette and Hudson, for their outstanding leadership. I look forward to supporting this measure on the House floor.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source