ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, the Americans with Disabilities Act is landmark civil rights legislation. Americans with disabilities face real challenges every day. We should strive to support them every way we can.

When Congress passes a law, we have an obligation to make sure that legislation is working and see if improvements can be made. Under the ADA, business owners are responsible to make sure their business is fully accessible to those with disabilities. However, in some cases, business owners are unaware they are in violation of the ADA.

Most Americans can agree: rather than immediately face lawsuits for violations, business owners should be given time to actually fix what is wrong. This solution advances our shared goal of improved access for all members of the community. But in listening to my constituents in Sacramento County, many are concerned that the timeframe for fixing these violations was too long. And I agree.

In response, my amendment would cut the time businesses have to fix violations in half. This means, after the notification period, a business has 60 days to fix violations, instead of 120 days in the current bill.

In some cases, these barriers can and should be immediately addressed. But in a State like California, which is prone to earthquakes, construction permits can take time. Small businesses should be given a reasonable amount of time to make changes and better serve their customers.

Having heard both sides of this debate, I believe we can, and should, find a compromise that works for both. I have seen how hard Sacramento small businesses work and how important they are for growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs. As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the challenges of those with disabilities. This amendment seeks the middle ground and is a commonsense improvement.

Americans with disabilities deserve to live full, healthy lives, unafraid of barriers that restrict their movement.

Now, let me be clear: if a business does not make the modifications to obstructions once notified, they should be held accountable and there should be consequences.

When we work across the aisle, Washington can get things done for the American people. This amendment is a commonsense fix that makes the bill better.

Mr. Chair, I urge support of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

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Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, this amendment makes the bill better. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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