Jamie Foxx pushes for more funding for Down syndrome research on Capitol Hill to honor his sister DeOndra Dixon

WASHINGTON — Jamie Foxx went to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to advocate for a bill that aims to boost funding for Down syndrome research as a tribute to his late sister.

Named after Foxx’s younger sister, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act seeks to allocate an extra $90 million annually for research over a period of five years.

It would also authorize the act at the National Institutes of Health to investigate specific conditions that affect people with Down syndrome.

DeOndra Dixon, who had Down syndrome, passed away in October 2020 at 36. She was a Special Olympics participant, a spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and the inaugural recipient of the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award from the foundation.

“My sister was a big part of my life,” Foxx told reporters on Wednesday. “She lived an incredible life. People like DeOndra need help. It feels really good to talk about a bill that would be in my sister’s name to continue her legacy, and I know she’s looking down like, ‘Yeah man, that’s what it’s about.'”

The legislation passed the House in September though it still needs Senate approval and the president’s signature.