Whereas 1 in 700, or around 6,000, babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States every year, and each person with Down syndrome is an important member of our society; Whereas life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983, to 60 years of age in 2023; Whereas people with Down syndrome attend school and work, participate in decisions that affect their livelihood, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society in many ways; Whereas recent studies have shown that employees with disabilities, including Down syndrome, are loyal, dedicated, and productive workers; Whereas, along with the care from their families, loved ones, and caregivers, research and advocacy for positive policy changes can improve the quality of life for members of the Down syndrome community; Whereas, since 1984, Congress has been committed to increasing Federal funding for Down syndrome research and improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families; Whereas the National Institutes of Health reports that Federal investment in Down syndrome research has increased from $18,000,000 in fiscal year 2014 to $124,000,000 in fiscal year 2022; Whereas, in unison with increased funding from Congress, the National Institutes of Health has redoubled its effort in biomedical and Down syndrome research, especially through the INCLUDE initiative, which is advancing science on the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease among people with Down syndrome; Whereas organizations in the nonprofit sector continue to advocate for Federal research, drive policy changes, educate the American public, create guidebooks for caregivers, and offer platforms to self-advocates who want to share their personal experiences with others about Down syndrome