Floor Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1504, which recognizes and honors the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the most historic piece of legislation affecting the civil rights of people with disabilities in our Nation's history.

Prior to its passage, too many people with disabilities received unequal treatment, didn't have the same kinds of opportunities as others Americans, faced inaccessible facilities and services, in both the public and private sectors. Many Americans with disabilities faced discrimination in education and employment, couldn't support their families, couldn't access jobs. As a result, Americans with disabilities were denied the opportunity to fully participate in society because they were not afforded the same rights that other Americans take for granted.

The hard work of disability advocates and Members of Congress, many of whom are being recognized today, past and present, culminated with a bipartisan effort to craft and pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since its passage, the ADA has worked to fulfill the Nation's goals of equal opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities across all sectors of society. It reduces barriers and promotes access and helps people with disabilities. That means our friends, our families, and ourselves fully participate in society.

More than 50 million Americans directly benefit from the ADA. While there's undoubtedly more work to be done to ensure full inclusivity of all people with disabilities, today we celebrate a major milestone 20 years of civil rights under this act that affirm its ideals and the work ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Leader Hoyer for introducing this important resolution and, once again, express my support for House Resolution 1504, honoring the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.