Langevin Gavels in House Session, Honors ADA Anniversary

Statement

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), who is quadriplegic, presided over the US House of Representatives for the first time today. The Speaker's rostrum on the House Floor has just been made wheelchair-accessible. This historic event coincided with the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"I have long said that I may be the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress, but I won't be the last," said Langevin, a five-term representative from Rhode Island and co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus. "Today, we celebrated another major step in continuing efforts to make the Capitol Complex accessible when I presided over the US House of Representatives. This was an extremely proud moment for me and helped to renew my spirit as we continue to remove barriers and strengthen the ADA for millions of Americans with disabilities in the decades to come."

The Architect of the Capitol worked with the Speaker's office to install a series of lifts and moving platforms over the last year to make the rostrum fully accessible by wheelchair. Langevin's gavel was also specially crafted by House woodworkers to ensure it was easy for him to maneuver.

"This was a true team effort every step of the way," continued Langevin, "and I am so grateful to everyone who played a role. From the Speaker and her staff to the Clerk, the Architect, the CAO and many more, I would not be here today without their talent and commitment."

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