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

Historic First Win: House Passes DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act

Groundbreaking Legislation for Transformative NIH Down Syndrome Research is a Legacy for GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon, Representatives Rodgers, DeLauro, Cole, DeGette and Other Congressional Champions

DENVER – September 18, 2024—The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL) is proud to announce that the game-changing DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (H.R. 7406) passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote.

This bill is named in honor of the life and legacy of DeOndra Dixon, beloved GLOBAL Ambassador and inspiration behind GLOBAL’s highest honor, the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. DeOndra keynoted at conferences around the country and the world, and was a fixture at GLOBAL events along with her big brother Jamie Foxx as well as her loving extended family. She was a talented dancer and musician who performed at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act was introduced by House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and is co-sponsored by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Tom Cole (R-OK), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), David Trone (R-MD), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). GLOBAL urges the Senate to pass their version of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (S. 3981) and to sign it into law this year.

“GLOBAL is truly overwhelmed by the strong bipartisan support for the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act that will formally authorize the INCLUDE Project at the NIH for five years,” says Michelle Sie Whitten, President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “We couldn’t have come this far without the leadership of Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and many other key Congressional champions. We also owe so much to our unwavering self-advocates with Down syndrome and their families! GLOBAL continues to work with our Senate champions, Senators John Hickenlooper, Jerry Moran, and Cory Booker to build bipartisan support so this important legislation becomes law in 2024.” Read More