Bustos Introduces "Refueling Assistance Act" To Ensure Individuals With Disabilities Can Fill Up With Ease At Gas Pump

Statement

Today, Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined with Representatives Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) to introduce the Refueling Assistance Act that would help ensure individuals with disabilities can fill up their cars with gas and travel with the same ease and sense of security that able-bodied drivers enjoy.

Bustos first introduced this legislation in 2014 after being approached by local disability advocates Mitch Swanson, from Lynn Center, Illinois, and Gary McDermott, from Clinton, Iowa, both of whom have been fighting for years on the state level to make it easier for individuals with disabilities to fill up at their local gas station.

"Refueling your car to go to work or run errands should be safe and convenient for all drivers," Congresswoman Bustos said. "But for far too many individuals with disabilities, a simple trip to the local gas station can be a lengthy and dangerous ordeal. That's why after hearing Mitch's and Gary's stories about the obstacles they face when fueling up at the gas pump, I'm re-introducing this commonsense bill to help ensure every driver -- disabled or non-disabled -- has the ability to fill up their car with ease."

"The Refueling Assistance Act would make a big difference in the lives of drivers with disabilities, like myself," said disability advocate Mitch Swanson. "I thank Congresswoman Bustos for her leadership on this issue important to many across our region and across the country. I have been working on the state level for years and am pleased that my Member of Congress listened to my concerns and has taken up this issue on the federal level with so much energy and passion."

"When called upon by my country by the draft back then, I went freely & proudly to Vietnam to fight for my country," said disability advocate Gary McDermott. "How disappointing and frustrating it is now that I have difficulty finding refueling assistance for my vehicle merely to participate in life's activities."

"All persons with disabilities, including thousands of returning Veterans, understand the difficulty of filling up their tanks at gas stations that are supposedly accessible," Congresswoman Duckworth said. "We must do better. The ability to drive independently is key to the American lifestyle. Ensuring that disabled Americans can consistently and safely refuel their vehicles is critical to their ability to live independent and fulfilling lives. This legislation is a step in that direction."

"For most, putting gas in your car is a quick pit stop, but for some assistance is needed and getting the attention of an attendant can be challenging," said Congressman Loebsack. "This legislation will direct the Secretary of Transportation to ensure individuals with a disability have access to reliable refueling assistance. This commonsense bill will help thousands of people improve their everyday lives."

According to guidance issued by the Department of Justice, people with disabilities are supposed to honk their horn to get assistance from a gas station attendant. Unfortunately, this system often fails to meet the needs of drivers with disabilities. As a result, drivers are frequently faced with a blatant disregard for this guidance, a general lack of awareness about the policy, or excessive wait times.

In a survey conducted by Inclusion Solutions, drivers reported feeling anxious every time they needed to refuel fearing they'd run out of gas before they could actually fill up. To cope, drivers have developed close relationships with local stations or relied on friends to go to the gas station with them, neither of which is a sustainable or convenient solution.

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