Barry Moore

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the Month of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This month serves to celebrate the lives and countless accomplishments and contributions of Alabamians with Down syndrome, and to memorialize the caregivers, educators, and community that enables these individuals to thrive.

Every life is precious and created in God's image, with dignity, worth, and purpose in this world. Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those living with disabilities, and to cherish the joy and blessings they bring to their community and the lives around them.

I want to recognize the advocacy groups throughout the State of Alabama who have dedicated their lives to promoting awareness to Down syndrome. The Coastal Alabama Down Syndrome Society (CADSS), based in Mobile, for its work supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout southwest Alabama, including Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, and surrounding counties. FRIENDS, an organization serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Dothan and the Wiregrass region, for its contributions to family support, advocacy, awareness, and community connections. Finally, Down Syndrome Alabama, which provides statewide advocacy, education, and family connections.

Down syndrome is a condition that encompasses an additional full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This condition has varying effects on life expectancy and quality of life, but advances in medical care have contributed to expanded opportunities for those with Down syndrome. While a diagnosis is lifelong, it has not hindered individuals from developing careers, building relationships, and becoming pillars of their community.

I also want to acknowledge the important work of national organizations, including the National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, and Global Down Syndrome Foundation, along with the affiliate-support network Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action.

Mr. Speaker, Will Roberts, who recently passed away due to stage 4 osteosarcoma, was a brave and inspiring young man from Alabama, and I'm honored to take a moment today to recognize his life.

After being hospitalized for osteosarcoma at just 15 years old, Will entered into the presence of his Savior on Wednesday, July 22nd, surrounded by his loved ones. While we celebrate that his battle is over, and has been won in Jesus Christ, our hearts go out to Will's family in this devastating time. Will's condition might have affected him physically, but it could not take away the contagious joy he brought into every room. According to his mother, Brittney Battles Roberts, Will was ``the funniest person in the room . . . (and) had a personality that could light up a hospital floor.'' This legacy of joy will not leave the hearts of the people who loved him or the community that he impacted so deeply.

Throughout his battle, Will actively fought for the children, teenagers, and young adults who are affected by the same disease, urging communities to help find a cure for his stage 4 cancer. Will's fight for a cure not just for himself, but also for others battling cancer, will remain a remarkable legacy that his family and friends can hold tight to in the times ahead.

No child should have to endure this kind of pain and no family this kind of loss. As Alabamians, we stand united in offering our prayers and condolences to the Roberts family and all other families who face a childhood cancer journey. Will shall forever be remembered as a light in his community, and his life is a testimony that will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, the American people work hard for every dollar they send to Washington, and they deserve to know how every one of those dollars is spent. That is the simple principle behind the Stop Secret Spending Act.

Federal agencies have been able to spend billions of taxpayer dollars through what are known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, without fully reporting those expenditures on usaspending.gov.

These agreements may have legitimate uses, but the American people should not have to wonder whether Federal spending is being disclosed or not. When our national debt is approaching $40 trillion, transparency is not optional. It is a responsibility.

This bill closes a loophole that has allowed significant amounts of Federal spending to remain outside the public reporting system. It does not ban OTAs. It does not create unnecessary red tape. It simply requires the agencies to report these agreements so taxpayers can see where their money is going.

Every family in Alabama knows where their money is spent. Farmers know where they money is spent. Small business owners know where their money is spent. The Federal Government should be held to that same standard.

Sunlight is one of the best safeguards against waste, fraud, and abuse. Transparency helps Congress do its job. It helps taxpayers hold Washington accountable, and it helps restore trust in government.

That is common sense. That is accountability. That is exactly what the American people expect from their government.

Madam Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the Stop Secret Spending Act.