The U.S. House & Senate Passed Our DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act

Historic Win: U.S. Senate Passes DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act

Bill to authorize the first NIH-wide Down syndrome research program heads back to the House for final approval before advancing to the President’s desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 7, 2026—Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan DeOndra Dixon NIH INCLUDE Project Act (S. 1838), to authorize the National Institutes of Health’s INCLUDE Project—the first NIH-wide research initiative dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for people with Down syndrome.

Led by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), yesterday’s Senate passage follows the July 20^th House of Representatives’ unanimous approval of companion legislation (H.R. 3491), led by Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Richard Hudson (R-NC). Now the bill heads back to the House for one final vote in September before it is sent to the President for his signature.

Established in 2018 after years of advocacy by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) and bipartisan leaders in Congress, the NIH INCLUDE Project has advanced groundbreaking research into Alzheimer’s disease, immune dysregulation and autoimmune conditions, sleep apnea, cancer, heart disease, liver dysfunction, metabolism, growth, and other serious health conditions while expanding clinical trial opportunities for people with Down syndrome from just two studies to fifteen.

The bill honors the memory and legacy of beloved GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon – the inspiration for GLOBAL’s highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award, and a beloved presence at GLOBAL events alongside her big brother, Jamie Foxx, and their family.

“DeOndra brought so much joy, love and light into our lives, and she was incredibly proud to be a GLOBAL Ambassador and advocate,” says Academy Award-winning actor and Grammy Award-winning musician Jamie Foxx. “My family and I are deeply grateful to Michelle and the GLOBAL team, and to Senators John Hickenlooper and Jerry Moran for their leadership and commitment to passing the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. Knowing that DeOndra’s name and advocacy will help people with Down syndrome live longer, healthier lives means more to us than words can express.” Read More