WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) – Senate co-chairs of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome – introduced a resolution to recognize October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The resolution celebrates individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caretakers, and leaders in the advocacy and medical research community for their work to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

U.S. Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D- D.C.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This month is an opportunity to honor the Down syndrome community, their families, loved ones, and caretakers and to recognize the contributions of the Down syndrome community,” said Sen. Moran. “It is important to continue supporting this community through medical research and advocating for policies that help individuals with Down syndrome lead healthy, independent and happy lives.”

“This month and every month, it’s important to recognize the experiences and potential of people with Down syndrome,” said Sen. Casey, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. “From expanding ABLE Accounts so people with disabilities can save for the future to phasing out the practice of employers paying subminimum wage, we have made progress in our mission to knock down the barriers that people with disabilities face, but there is more work to do. I’m proud to be a co-chair of the bipartisan Down Syndrome caucus in Congress and I remain committed to improving the lives of people with Down syndrome by working hand in hand with the Down syndrome community.”

"Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States, but it is also little understood," said Rep. Garbarino. "As the prevalence of Down Syndrome has increased in recent years, it has become all the more important that we educate ourselves and raise awareness – not just about the condition itself, but about the incredible talent and resilience found among those with Down Syndrome. I am proud to sponsor this resolution in support of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the House and I thank my colleagues for joining together in a bipartisan bicameral effort to stand with the Down Syndrome community."

“Individuals with Down syndrome deserve our support to reach their full potential and live enriched and independent lives,” said Rep. Soto. “I’m proud to support this resolution to recognize October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month to celebrate those with Down syndrome and their loved ones.”

“The Down Syndrome community and their selfless loved ones make countless contributions to our society, and it is important that we recognize these individuals,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral effort to celebrate those who live with Down Syndrome during the month of October and will continue to support efforts to empower the community to live healthy and productive lives.”

“I’m proud to be a lead cosponsor of this resolution designating October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. My own daughter, Katherine, has Down syndrome, and every year 6,000 babies are born in the United States who share her disability,” said Rep. Norton. “This resolution being both bicameral and bipartisan is a testament to the fact that recognizing people with Down syndrome along with their families and caregivers is not a partisan issue. I am hopeful that our resolution’s calls for greater federal investment in Down syndrome research will not go unheard.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here. 

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