In Recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law and codified the prohibition of discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places that are open to the general public.

An individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment. Approximately 112,158 individuals of the population living within the 17th Congressional District have a disability. I am proud to represent them and to speak out today on a law that transformed our country.

As a nation, America took another step on the pathway toward true equality during the late 1980s when the concept of federal legislation with the single, worthy goal of expanding civil rights protections to millions of Americans with disabilities gained bipartisan support.

I applauded those advocates, such as former Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, who first introduced the legislation on May 8, 1988. Those great people brought to life a vision of inclusion, access, and dignity. It is my hope we can today follow in their likeness and continue to protect the rights of all people.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source