News

On the House Floor Updates


Dec 18, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Applauds House Passage of Eight Health Bills

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the House passed eight bills from the Health Subcommittee’s jurisdiction:  "These bipartisan bills will help patients access the care and support they need. I commend the bill sponsors for their leadership and our Committee Members for working to prepare them for consideration by the full House.”  S. Amdt. to H.R. 7213 , the AUTISM Cares Act of 2024 , led by Reps. Smith (R-NJ) and Cuellar (D-TX), passed the House by a vote of 374 – 15. Having previously passed the Senate unanimously, it now heads to the President’s desk.  H.R. 7224 , to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program , led by Reps. Cohen (D-TN) and Carter (R-GA) passed the House unanimously.  S. 223 , a bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to fix a technical error in the definitions, led by Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Coons (D-DE), passed the House unanimously. Having previously passed Senate unanimously, it now heads to the President’s desk. Reps. Burchett (R-TN) and Cohen (D-TN) led the House companion legislation.  H.R. 4534 , the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2024 , led by Reps. Boyle (D-PA) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA), passed the House unanimously.  H.R. 7188 , the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act , led by Reps. Moolenaar (R-MI) and Dingell (D-MI), passed the House unanimously.  H.R. 6020 , the Honor Our Living Donors Act , led by Reps. Obernolte (R-CA) and DelBene (D-WA), passed the House unanimously.  H.R. 670 , the Think Differently Database Act , led by Reps. Molinaro (R-NY) and Sherrill (D-NJ), passed the House unanimously.  S. 1351 , the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act , led by Senators Merkley (D-OR) and Cornyn (R-TX) passed the House by a vote of 373 – 33. Having previously passed the Senate unanimously, it now heads to the President’s desk. Reps. Khanna (D-CA) and Carter (R-GA) led the House companion legislation. 



Dec 16, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Applauds House Passage of Three Communications and Technology Bills

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the House unanimously passed three bills from the Communications and Technology Subcommittee: “Bureaucracy and red tape have stopped too many Americans from accessing high-speed broadband. I am proud of the work done by Members on the Energy and Commerce Committee to advance bipartisan priorities to speed up broadband deployment and close America’s digital divide. I want to thank these members for their commitment to these bills that will promote innovation and support American technological leadership in years to come.”  BACKGROUND: H.R. 3343 , the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act , sponsored by Reps. August Pfluger and Darren Soto, passed the Committee unanimously.  H.R. 1377 , the Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act , sponsored by Reps. Tim Walberg, Debbie Dingell, and Ann Kuster, passed the Committee unanimously.  H.R. 3293 , the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act , sponsored by Reps. Jeff Duncan and Angie Craig, passed the Committee unanimously. 



Sep 27, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Further Research for Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Bilirakis-led bill heads to the President’s desk Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the Senate passed H.R. 7189, the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act , unanimously. The bill, led by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), previously passed the House unanimously on September 23, 2024, will now be sent to the President’s desk. “With more than 40,000 babies in the United States born with a heart defect each year, Congress answered the American people’s call for action. This bipartisan legislation will support research and education regarding congenital heart disease, as well as the impact heart defects have on individuals throughout every stage of life. I commend Rep. Bilirakis for championing this effort and look forward to the President signing it into law,” said Chair Rodgers . “ As a co-founder of the Congenital Heart Caucus, I’ve become familiar with the struggles patients with congenital heart disease and their families face. Our legislation will bring us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients suffering with this condition. We’ve seen that this program yields positive results, and, when it is signed into law, it will help future generations live longer, healthier lives,"  said Congressman Bilirakis . H.R. 7189 reauthorizes and makes improvements to the national congenital heart disease research, surveillance, and awareness program at the CDC through fiscal year 2029. It passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.



Sep 23, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Applauds House Passage of Nine Health Bills

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the House passed nine health bills:  “These bipartisan bills will help improve the health and wellbeing of the American people, including individuals battling Alzheimer’s and children suffering from rare diseases, as well as those living with a disability. I’m grateful to my Energy and Commerce colleagues for moving the bills through regular order and will work to see them signed into law.”  BACKGROUND :  H.R. 8108 – To amend title XIX of the SSA to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to determination of residency of certain individuals serving in Armed Forces:   Led by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)  Requires States to continue to provide Medicaid coverage for (or retain waiting list placement for) active-duty military families who are receiving home and community-based services (or are on the waitlist to receive such services) in the event that the family moves out of state for military relocation.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on September 18, 2024.  S. 133 – NAPA Reauthorization Act :  Led by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)  Reauthorizes and makes improvements to the National Alzheimer’s Project including expanding the membership of the project’s advisory council.   Passed the House unanimously.  House companion (H.R. 619), led by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), passed out of the House Energy and Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  S. 134 – Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act :  Led by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)  Requires the NIH to continue to submit an annual budget estimate to Congress to achieve the initiatives and goals included in the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.  Passed the House unanimously.  House companion (H.R. 620), led by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Paul Tonko (R-NY), passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.   H.R. 6829 – HEARTS Act :  Led by Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)  Promotes student access to AEDs and CPR in schools, including educational materials, training programs, and equipment.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  H.R. 3884 – Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act :  Led by Reps. Michael Burgess, M.D., (R-TX) and Danny Davis (D-IL)  Reauthorizes programs and activities under the CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed to support research, prevention, and treatment for sickle cell disease and other heritable blood disorders through fiscal year 2028.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on July 19, 2023.  H.R. 2706 – Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act :  Led by Reps. Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI)  Prohibits health care providers and other entities from denying or restricting an individual's access to organ transplants solely based on an individual's disability, except in limited circumstances.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  H.R. 5526 – Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act :  Led by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)  Amends the physician self-referral law to permit Medicare patients to receive prescription drugs via caregivers picking up drugs on the patient’s behalf or via mail or couriers delivering the drug to the patient in instances when a provider prescribes a drug to be dispensed by a pharmacy that falls under the self-referral law’s definition of an in-office ancillary service.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024.  H.R. 3433 – Give Kids a Chance Act :  Led by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA)  R eauthorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rare pediatric disease priority review voucher (PRV) program through fiscal year 2029.  Requires the FDA to establish an office in an Abraham Accord country.  Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect registration fees and distribute these fees to support the operation of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on September 18, 2024.  H.R. 7189 – Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act :  Led by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Darren Soto (FL)  Reauthorizes and makes improvements to the national congenital heart disease research, surveillance, and awareness program at the CDC through fiscal year 2029.  Passed the House unanimously.  Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024. 



Sep 23, 2024
On the House Floor

E&C Republicans Lead to Stop the Biden-Harris De Facto EV Mandate

Washington D.C. — Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading to stop the Biden-Harris administration from imposing unaffordable electric vehicle mandates that will jeopardize our auto industry and hand China the keys to our energy future. Members spoke on the House Floor in support of H.J. Res. 136, led by Rep. John James (R-MI), which passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 215-191. The legislation will end the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) unrealistic tailpipe emissions rule, which, by the EPA’s own admission, would effectively require at least two-thirds of all new cars in the United States to be electric by 2032. As Chair Rodgers said , “Over and over again, the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency has doubled down on its radical rush-to-green energy agenda. The EPA’s latest tailpipe emissions rule is not really about reducing air pollution—it’s about forcing Americans to drive electric vehicles.” Don’t miss these key moments from E&C Republicans:



Sep 20, 2024
On the House Floor

Chair Rodgers on the House Floor: “We must ensure Americans drive what vehicle best suits their needs.”

H.R. Res 136 ends the Biden-Harris EPA’s de facto EV mandate Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke on the House Floor today in support of H.J. Res 136, which will end the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) unreasonable tailpipe emissions rule. Her prepared remarks are below: “I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 136, led by Energy and Commerce Republican Member John James. “Over and over again, the Biden-Harris Environmental Protection Agency has doubled down on its radical rush-to-green energy agenda. “The EPA’s latest tailpipe emissions rule is not really about reducing air pollution—it’s about forcing Americans to drive electric vehicles. “By the EPA’s own estimation, the new rule will effectively require at least two-thirds of all new cars in the United States to be 100 percent electric by 2032—not hybrids, not plug-in hybrids, not hydrogen, not any other clean technology. “This unreasonable rule is just another example of how the Biden-Harris administration’s rush-to-green agenda is handing China the keys to America’s energy future, jeopardizing our auto industry, and forcing people to buy unaffordable EVs they do not want. “Here are the facts: In May, the average fully electric model was $17,326 more expensive than the average gas-burning compact crossover. “At the beginning of this year, nearly 5,000 American car dealers sent a letter to the President demanding he 'hit the brakes' on the EPA’s unrealistic agenda after EVs stacked up on their car lots. “And recently, J.D. Power cut its projected sales of EVs by 25 percent—citing increased competition in the market for gasoline-powered vehicle alternatives. “Despite all of this, the Biden-Harris EPA has continued its de facto EV mandates, undeterred by the reality of what Americans actually want. “Instead of forcing Americans to spend more money on vehicles that they don’t want to buy—on vehicles that only advance a political agenda—let's get back to the work of making sure that people have access to affordable, reliable, and functional means of transportation. “To ensure Americans drive what vehicle best suits their needs, vote YES on H.J. Res 136 to put an end to the EPA’s unreasonable tailpipe emissions rule.”



Sep 18, 2024
Press Release

Chair Rodgers Celebrates House Passage of Two Bipartisan Communications and Technology Bills

Washington, D.C. — The House of Representatives passed two bills from the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. The bills, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, will enhance cutting-edge American innovation. Upon passage, Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement: “America must remain the leader in cutting-edge technology. The FUTURE Networks Act and the Launch Communications Act will promote American advancements in 6G and streamline regulations to further unleash the potential of satellite technology. I thank the sponsors for their hard work and leadership on these bipartisan, commonsense bills.” NOTE: H.R. 1513, the FUTURE Networks Act, led by Reps. Matsui and Walberg, passed the House by a vote of 393 - 22. S. 1648, the Launch Communications Act, led by Sen. Schmitt in the Senate and Reps. Soto and Dunn in the House, passed the House unanimously.



Sep 18, 2024
Hearings

Chair Rodgers Celebrates House Passage of Bipartisan Health Legislation

Washington, D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement after the House passed 14 bipartisan health bills:  “These commonsense solutions will help reform and extend programs that support the health and wellbeing of the American people. I commend the Members who led these bipartisan initiatives for their hard work as well as my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for their work to shepherd them through the committee process and across the House floor,” said Chair Rodgers .  BACKGROUND ON THE BILLS : H.R. 8111 , the Medicaid Program Improvement Act :   Led by Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA). Would require States to regularly obtain beneficiary address information from reliable sources, including (where applicable) Medicaid managed care plans, to promote the State’s ability to contact the beneficiary, and to confirm a Medicaid beneficiary’s residence is within the state.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024.  H.R. 8112 , To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to further require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program :  Led by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY). Would require States to regularly check the Data Exchange System (DEX) to determine as part of a provider’s enrollment (or reenrollment or revalidation of enrollment) in the Medicaid program that the provider is not prohibited from participating in the Medicare program.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024.  H.R. 8089 , the Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act of 2024 :  Led by Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA). Would require States to check the Death Master File upon enrollment (or reenrollment or revalidation or enrollment), and on at least a quarterly basis, in order to identify deceased providers. Existing federal laws, regulations, and guidance dictate the steps states must take in the event the state identifies that the provider is deceased.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2023.  H.R. 8084 , the LIVE Beneficiaries Act :  Led by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Would require States to screen the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (DMF) to identify currently enrolled Medicaid beneficiaries who are deceased and remove identified deceased beneficiaries from enrollment in Medicaid.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024.  H.R. 6160 , To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program :  Led by Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY). Reauthorizes for five years the lifespan respite care program administered by the Administration of Community Living (ACL) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support state respite care systems.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  S. 4351 , the Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 :   Led by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). Reauthorizes certain poison control programs, including the national toll-free phone number, support for poison control center utilization, and resources to local poison control centers.  Passed the House unanimously. The bill’s companion legislation (H.R. 7251), led by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024. H.R. 7406 , the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 :  Led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). Authorizes the INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project at the NIH, which is currently funded, and is designed to promote the scientific understanding of Down syndrome and co-occurring conditions and improve the quality of life of every American, not just individuals with Down syndrome and their families.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024. H.R. 7218 , the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act of 2024 :  Led by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY). Reauthorizes programs to support states, local public health departments, and other entities in their efforts to educate and support early detection and diagnosis; reduce associated risks; support patients and caregivers; and promote public health knowledge and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, among other activities, at currently appropriated levels for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024. H.R. 6033 , the Supporting Patient Education And Knowledge (SPEAK) Act of 2024: Led by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA). Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to, in consultation with stakeholders, issue and disseminate best practices for delivering quality care via telehealth to beneficiaries with limited English language proficiency.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024. H.R. 7858 , the Telehealth Enhancement for Mental Health Act of 2024 : Led by Rep. John James (R-MI). Improves process by which Medicare tracks claims for services provided by telehealth.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024. S. 265 , the SIREN Reauthorization Act:   Led by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). Reauthorizes and modifies the rural emergency medical services (EMS) training program through 2028.  Passed the House unanimously. The bill’s companion legislation (H.R. 4646), led by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024.  H.R. 7208 , the Dennis John Benigno Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act of 2024:   Led by the late Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). Reauthorizes Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) programs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which allocate resources for TBI prevention, improving access to TBI rehabilitation, and support TBI patient advocacy systems. The bill reauthorizes the program for five fiscal years from 2025 through 2029.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on March 20, 2024. H.R. 4758 , the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act :  Led by Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA). Streamlines Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) out-of-state pediatric provider enrollment requirements to promote timely access to care for children needing to travel out-of-state for care.  Passed the House unanimously. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024. H.R. 7213 , the Autism CARES Act of 2024: Led by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). Reauthorizes and makes improvements to certain programs related to autism spectrum disorder, including the Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program; Autism education, early detection, and intervention; and the Interagency Autism Coordination Committee at currently appropriated levels for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.  Passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 402-13. Passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously on June 12, 2024. 



Sep 18, 2024
Press Release

House Passes Chair Rodgers Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Funding for Down Syndrome Research at NIH

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives passed H.R. 7406 , the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024, unanimously. The legislation was led by House Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy Chair McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), House Appropriations Committee Chair T om Cole (R-OK), House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 would authorize the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and continue funding for Down syndrome research at $90 million annually for the next five years. “This bipartisan legislation will support research into Down syndrome, which has been dramatically underfunded despite affecting one in every 700 babies," said Rep. Rodgers. "Better understanding individuals with this disability–and truly valuing the unique gifts they possess–will help unleash their potential and benefit every American who knows someone battling other diseases, like cancer and Alzheimer's. As the proud mom of a child with Down syndrome, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this bill signed into law.” "The INCLUDE Project Act is a much-needed step to advance research and improve health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome and related conditions," said Rep. DeGette. "The groundbreaking work being done in my home state at the University of Colorado’s Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Research exemplifies why this program is so crucial — not only to improve treatments for those with Down syndrome but also to advance our overall understanding of the disease. By passing this bill, we're reaffirming our commitment to fostering the kind of innovative research that will benefit all individuals, and I look forward to the INCLUDE Project's continued impact on the medical science field." “Medical research has the power to transform lives. This legislation strengthens the innovative environment needed to advance medical breakthroughs and support those with Down syndrome,” said Rep. Cole. “By understanding the unique needs of patients and ensuring clinical trials address them, we are making real differences in people’s lives and health. The bill will bring great value to so many, and I am proud to see it pass on the House Floor today.” “As an ovarian cancer survivor, I am immensely grateful for biomedical research and believe I am here today because of it,” said Rep. DeLauro. “We must do all we can to strengthen the resources available to facilitate medical breakthroughs and help those with Down syndrome live healthier, fuller lives. Since 2018, as the top Democrat on the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, I am proud that on a bipartisan basis we have provided more than $400 million in funding for the more than 200 INCLUDE Project research grant awards at the National Institutes of Health. This legislation builds on this success, and I am proud to work with my colleagues in the House to ensure this critical program continues for years to come.” “As a father of a son with Down syndrome, I understand the important role research plays in improving the lives of those with disabilities. For too long, the federal government has neglected investment in Down syndrome research, and it's time we changed that,” said Rep. Stauber. “Every life deserves a chance to reach its full potential. That's why I'm proud to support legislation to preserve funding for groundbreaking research for Down syndrome. The passage of this legislation in the House today demonstrates our commitment to improving health outcomes, fostering inclusion, and celebrating individuals with Down syndrome's incredible contributions to our world. I am proud to join my colleagues in this fight and excited for the brighter future it will bring." "People with Down syndrome, including my own daughter Katherine, have a strong and irrefutable moral case for substantial NIH research funding to benefit their health and quality of life," said Rep. Norton. "Today's House passage of our bill to preserve this funding at NIH to $90 million annually for the next five years will benefit Katherine, 400,000 other Americans living with Down syndrome, and countless others who suffer from conditions those with Down syndrome are predisposed to. I applaud today's passage, thank Rep. Rodgers for her leadership on the issue, and look forward to the bill's progression in the Senate." The INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project was launched in June 2018 at the direction of Congress to conduct research on critical health and quality-of-life needs for individuals with Down syndrome. The project investigates conditions that affect individuals with Down syndrome and the general population, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, autism, cataracts, celiac disease, congenital heart disease, and diabetes.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the project. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 is supported by the following Down syndrome advocacy groups: “We are 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. GLOBAL is truly grateful to our congressional champions for their continued commitment to improving health outcomes for our children and adults with Down syndrome. The tangible medical breakthroughs that the NIH INCLUDE Project has already made since 2018 would not have been possible without the great leadership of Chair Rodgers, Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and many others. While there is still much work to be done, the momentum is clearly on our side,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, President & CEO of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.  “We are thrilled to celebrate the passage of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act by the House of Representatives,” said Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) . “In the six years since its inception, the INCLUDE Project at NIH has conducted groundbreaking research and innovation to dramatically improve the health and life outcomes of individuals with Down syndrome. Continued investments in the project, such as those found in the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, are vital and necessary to ensure this important work continues. We thank Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Congressman Tom Cole, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for their leadership on this issue, and we urge the United States Senate to take action to ensure its swift passage.” “The National Down Syndrome Congress is pleased that the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Act has passed. This bill will increase lifespan and improve health outcomes for children and adults with Down syndrome by establishing a Down syndrome program at the National Institutes for Health (NIH). NDSC's vision is a world with equal rights and opportunities for people with Down syndrome, and good health is critical to achieve this vision and for success in all areas of life,” said Jim Hudson, NDSC Executive Director .