Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus, hosted a successful briefing on Down syndrome research today.  The event featured six leading researchers who discussed the unique biology of Down syndrome, the status of current research, and barriers to future research.  The panel also heard from two leaders of the Down syndrome community who discussed how today’s findings could improve their advocacy efforts.

 

“As the mom of a child with Down syndrome, I’ve come to learn about the amazing potential of Down syndrome research – and not just for the 400,000 Americans who have Down syndrome, but for millions of others who suffer from related conditions,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “While there have been significant advances in Down syndrome research – and the prospect of future research remains bright – there’s no question that a lot of work remains to be done.  I am confident that today’s briefing will help the Down syndrome community and policymakers take the necessary steps to improve our research infrastructure, benefitting those who have Down syndrome, and millions of other Americans, as well.”

 

Rep. McMorris Rodgers recently introduced two bills to take Down syndrome research to the next level: H.R. 2696, the Trisomy 21 Research Resource Act and H.R. 2695, the Trisomy 21 Centers of Excellence Act of 2011.

 

The Congresswoman delivered a House floor speech today recognizing October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  To watch her floor speech, click here.

 

A list of today’s panelists is below.

 

• Dr. Yvonne Maddox (National Institute of Child Health & Human Development)
• Dr. Ed McCabe (Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome)
• Dr. William Mobley (UC San Diego Down Syndrome Center for Research & Treatment)
• Dr. Michael Harpold (Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation)
• Dr. Roger Reeves (Johns Hopkins University)
• Dr. Sally Shott (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center)
• Ms. Michelle Livingston (Global Down Syndrome Foundation)
• Ms. Madeleine Will (National Down Syndrome Society)