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Senate Passes DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act to Advance Down Syndrome Research
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Key points
- The U.S. Senate passed S. 1838, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2026.
- The bill supports NIH research focusing on health conditions associated with Down syndrome across the lifespan.
- The legislation honors late Down syndrome advocate DeOndra Dixon and aims to improve health outcomes for families across the nation.
NewsWK — Federal lawmakers have taken a significant step toward expanding medical research for individuals with Down syndrome through the passage of Senate Bill 1838, officially designated as the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2026.
According to legislative records published by GovInfo, the engrossed bill formalizes Congressional support for targeted research into co-occurring conditions affecting individuals with Down syndrome across their lifespan. The project is named in honor of the late advocate DeOndra Dixon, who brought national attention to the needs and potential of individuals living with the genetic condition.
Targeted Research and Medical Accountability
The legislation supports the continuation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE (INCLUDE) Project. Proponents of the legislation emphasize that targeted, transparent federal research investments help address critical health disparities while maintaining legislative oversight over health agency expenditures.
By prioritizing research into health conditions that frequently affect individuals with Down syndrome—such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart defects, and autoimmune disorders—the measure aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for families nationwide.
Based on reporting originally published by GovInfo (U.S. GPO). Read the original story.
