Discussion · House of Representatives
Gabe Evans Republican
“I want the House to pass this bill. It formally protects a government research project on Down syndrome and the health problems that come with it. The government has not spent enough money on Down syndrome, and these citizens deserve our support.”
“Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Deondra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025. I was incredibly proud to support this bill as it made it’s way through the legislative process in the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I am looking forward to it passing with bipartisan support on the House floor. This legislation provides statutory authority to a project that the NIH has already been carrying out for nearly a decade to investigate the co-occuring conditions that impact Americans with Down Syndrome and their quality-of-life needs. For far too long, federal investment into Down Syndrome has paced behind need. Individuals with Down Syndrome are among our most precious vulnerable citizens--they deserve this nation’s support. I also want to recognize the efforts of a fellow Coloradan who was instrumental in advancing this bill: Michelle Sie Whitten. As President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Michelle has been a titan of advocacy in the Down Syndrome world. As the mother of a child with Down Syndrome, she has harnessed her love for the folks in this community and channeled it into action--raising millions of dollars for research and serving as a voice for those with Down Syndrome. It is safe to say that we would not be here voting on this bill if not for her tireless work and effort. I want to personally thank Michelle for her leadership and once again reiterate my support for this bill.”
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Speech on a bill
Signal 29 of 100
Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.
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Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Deondra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025. I was incredibly proud to support this bill as it made it’s way through the legislative process in the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I am looking forward to it passing with bipartisan support on the House floor. This legislation provides statutory authority to a project that the NIH has already been carrying out for nearly a decade to investigate the co-occuring conditions that impact Americans with Down Syndrome and their quality-of-life needs. For far too long, federal investment into Down Syndrome has paced behind need. Individuals with Down Syndrome are among our most precious vulnerable citizens--they deserve this nation’s support. I also want to recognize the efforts of a fellow Coloradan who was instrumental in advancing this bill: Michelle Sie Whitten. As President and CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Michelle has been a titan of advocacy in the Down Syndrome world. As the mother of a child with Down Syndrome, she has harnessed her love for the folks in this community and channeled it into action--raising millions of dollars for research and serving as a voice for those with Down Syndrome. It is safe to say that we would not be here voting on this bill if not for her tireless work and effort. I want to personally thank Michelle for her leadership and once again reiterate my support for this bill.