[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H3153-H3154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THOSE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today I stand to honor and celebrate 
the achievements of my constituents with Down syndrome and the 
worldwide Down syndrome community. I also want to recognize all of 
their families and loved ones who witness the tremendous struggles 
individuals with Down syndrome face and the wonderful victories they 
achieve every day.
  This past month, on March 21, marked World Down Syndrome Day. On this 
day, people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them 
throughout the world, organized and participated in activities and 
events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for 
advocating for their rights, rights such as inclusive education, access 
to quality and affordable healthcare, meaningful employment, and 
protection of their civil rights.
  On March 21, we celebrated the contributions of individuals with Down 
syndrome in our communities and the meaningful work of organizations 
and individuals who dedicate their personal and professional time to 
ensure individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities achieve 
their optimal abilities.

  Every year, this day is a time for education, increased community 
awareness, and giving thanks. When individuals with Down syndrome and 
other disabilities are included, we all benefit. Our goal as a society 
is to prepare today's children for tomorrow's leaders, including those 
with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
  Enabling individuals with Down syndrome to live, work, and 
participate with confidence and autonomy, fully included in society 
alongside of their friends and peers, is our duty as a Nation. I 
personally have seen the hard work of constituents in ensuring 
individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities have the same 
educational, financial, civil rights, and opportunities afforded to 
others, as well as access to services that help them achieve their full 
potential.
  I am appreciative of the work of the Pennsylvania Down Syndrome 
Advocacy Coalition, the Montgomery County Down Syndrome Interest Group, 
the Bucks County Down Syndrome Interest Group, The Arc of Pennsylvania, 
The Arc Alliance, the National Down Syndrome Congress, and other 
national organizations that are collaborating on

[[Page H3154]]

behalf of the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.
  I ask all of my colleagues to commit to working with us in bringing 
the concerns and needs of the Down syndrome and disability communities 
to the bipartisan discussions occurring within Congress.
  The special needs community are the most special among us, Mr. 
Speaker. We need to be here for them.

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