Williams Brings Down Syndrome Awareness to House Floor

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin) took to the House floor Tuesday night to recognize Mark Johnson, who completed a double-Ironman from Marble Falls to Lufkin, Texas to celebrate his 50-year-old sister, Wendy, who has Down syndrome.

Williams' remarks are below:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Johnson: a fellow Texan, a former Marine, a father and a grandfather.

"On March 17 and 18, Mark completed a double-Ironman race across the State of Texas. A double-Ironman is a 53.2-mile run, a 4.8-mile swim and a 224-mile bike ride.

"He began in Marble Falls in my district and ended in Lufkin, Texas. When asked why he chose to attempt the event, he answered swiftly, ‘For Wendy, my amazing sister who has Down syndrome.'

"In addition to honoring his sister and raising awareness, Johnson has pledged all monetary donations to the National Down Syndrome Society. This is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, where he sits on the Board of Directors.

"Today, and every day, let us celebrate advocates like Mark, his sister, Wendy, and all individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

"In God we trust, I yield back."

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