Scalise Secures Win For Disabled Louisiana Workers

Statement

Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today announced his amendment will be included in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that exempts AbilityOne products from certain Department of Defense (DOD) procurement programs in Asia and Africa. These programs, which were created to promote the economic interests of countries where our troops are deployed, resulted in blind and disabled American workers losing their jobs. The Scalise provision effectively reverses this policy and ensures that AbilityOne agencies are not negatively impacted but, rather, are able to supply our troops with the products they need.

"Securing this victory for Lighthouse Louisiana and AbilityOne agencies across the nation will help give those with disabilities the opportunity to improve their economic well-being," Rep. Scalise said. "Disabled workers should not suffer because of this Administration's misguided policies, which for Lighthouse Louisiana resulted in layoffs and the loss of millions of dollars in contracts. Diplomacy and economic development in strategic foreign countries should not come at the expense of jobs for disabled Americans here at home. It is a privilege to fight to protect the jobs of disabled Louisiana workers that are being outsourced to foreign countries, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation without delay. Thank you to Senator Vitter, and Congressmen Boustany and Richmond for joining me in securing this meaningful victory for disabled Louisiana workers."

"This amendment is a big win for Americans with disabilities and the AbilityOne program," said Renee Vidrine, President of Lighthouse Louisiana. "We're excited that Steve Scalise, David Vitter, and the entire Louisiana Congressional Delegation have teamed up to protect jobs for people with disabilities across America. When our fellow citizens with disabilities can earn a paycheck and live independently, it's not just good for them -- it's good for our country."

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