Americans with Disabilities Act 28th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, 28 years ago, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. I was proud to be a lead sponsor of that legislation and to be on hand for the bill signing on this day 28 years ago, together with former Democratic Whip Tony Coelho; Representatives Steve Bartlett and Jim Sensenbrenner; and Senators Tom Harkin, Ted Kennedy, Bob Dole, Orrin Hatch, and Lowell Weicker. Other individuals present were:

President George H.W. Bush; Dave Capozzi; Justin Dart; Yoshiko Dart; Chai Feldblum; Lex Frieden; Boyden Gray (Counsel to President Bush); Anthony Imparato; Arlene Mayerson; Paul Marchand; Ed Markey; John McCain; Normal Mineta; Ralph Neas; Katie Neas; Carolyn Ocelinik; Becky Ogle; Lee Page; Liz Savage; Bobby Silverstein (Hatch); Melissa Schulman; Cheryl Sensenbrenner; Bob Williams; John Wodatch, Esq.; and Pat Wright.

We worked hard to shepherd that legislation to passage with strong bipartisan support. The ADA has reshaped the landscape of our country for millions of people living with disabilities, and, indeed, for many millions throughout the world. It has done more than build ramps or widen doorways.

It has changed perceptions and brought greater understanding, not only to the abilities of those who were previously excluded, but also to the challenges of living with a disability.

I am glad we have been able to come together to strengthen the ADA over the years in the same spirit of bipartisanship that we had at its inception.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate this anniversary each year, we rededicate ourselves to the project of protecting the civil rights of Americans with disabilities and expanding opportunity, equality, and access for all of our people.

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