Bill · S. 1838· Senate(119-S-1838)
DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/21/2025
- Last activity
- 8/10/2026 — Held at the desk.
- Sponsored by
- John Hickenlooper
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 3
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Awaiting House
What this bill would do
The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2026 aims to amend the Public Health Service Act. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a specific program directed by the NIH. This program, known as the INCLUDE Project, focuses on research, training, and investigation related to Down syndrome. The initiative includes studying the effects of trisomy 21 and co-occurring conditions across the lifespan. It also emphasizes expanding clinical trials and improving quality of life for individuals and their families. Finally, the Act requires biennial reports to be submitted to specific Congressional committees.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+9
The bill provides significant benefits through research and clinical trial expansion for individuals with Down syndrome.
Does this put more money into medical research?+8
The act authorizes specific NIH research and training related to Down syndrome and co-occurring conditions.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+8
The bill promotes the needs of people with Down syndrome through specialized research and stakeholder consultation.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Research on human development and health: The program includes high-risk, high-reward research on how trisomy 21 affects development, which could lead to better health outcomes (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Improved understanding of co-occurring conditions: Through cohort studies, the program seeks to better understand Down syndrome alongside other conditions and develop new interventions (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Expanded clinical trial access: The bill expands the number of clinical trials for participants with Down syndrome, including those testing new biomedical and pharmacological therapies to enhance daily living (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Better diagnosis and treatment: Research into biological mechanisms and biomarkers aims to improve how conditions co-occurring with Down syndrome are diagnosed and treated (Section 2(b)(4) and Section 2(b)(5)).
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Focus on specific health risks: The program targets research into the causes and treatments of increased prevalence of conditions like Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and autoimmunity (Section 2(b)(6)).
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Improved quality of life: The initiative includes investigation specifically aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families (Section 2(b)(7)).
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Stakeholder inclusion: The Director of NIH is directed to consult with relevant stakeholders and patient advocates to ensure the needs of individuals with Down syndrome are considered (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are identified within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+9Good For Seniors+7Good For Retirees+6Good For Children+5Good For Middle Aged+5Good For Young Adults+5
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+8Improves Healthcare Access+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+8
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
| Updated | Bill | Title | Policy Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months ago | In the nature of a substitute. |
- 8/10/2026
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 8/6/2026
- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4495-4498)
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4495-4496)
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S4495-4496)
- 8/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/8/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/16/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/21/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Jerry MoranRepublican · Kansas
Markwayne MullinRepublican · Oklahoma
Jon OssoffDemocrat · Georgia
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland