GLOBAL Statement: U.S. Reps. Pocan, Sessions, Norton and McMorris Rogers Introduce Words Matter Act

The GLOBAL Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is proud to endorse the Words Matter Act that is being reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) and Cathy McMorris Rogers (WA-05). The bipartisan legislation will remove more than two dozen instances of “mentally retarded” from federal law, replacing the outdated language with terminology that is appropriate for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Removing these harmful words from the U.S. Code will modernize our laws and encourage more respectful conversations surrounding individuals with Down syndrome.

This important legislation builds upon the 2011 “Rosa’s Law” (P.L. 111-256) which struck “mental retardation” from federal law. GLOBAL was proud to be among the first to endorse that bill and is honored to be a lead supporter of the Words Matter Act.

We applaud and are grateful to Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), and Cathy McMorris Rogers (WA-05). As GLOBAL Congressional champions they are supporting GLOBAL’s work to increase NIH funding that is resulting in elongated life and improved health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.