Sens. Moran, Menendez Introduce International Children with Disabilities Protection Act

Press Release

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) recently introduced legislation to bolster U.S. support for children with disabilities, helping support local disabilities rights organizations and families of children with disabilities around the world.

The International Children with Disabilities Protection Act would create the ""International Children with Disabilities Protection Program," a grant program within the State Department to empower individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this legislation reinforces U.S. policy to protect against the unnecessary institutionalization of children with disabilities and to help promote the development of laws and policies that support the full inclusion of children with disabilities in families.

"Children with disabilities deserve a place in society where they are respected, loved and treated with basic human dignity," said Sen. Moran. "This legislation helps protect the most vulnerable children around the globe and gives them opportunities to succeed by helping keep children out of harmful institutions and supporting their families."

"I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in introducing our International Children with Disabilities Protection Act to address gaps in the United States' assistance for the more than 240 million children with disabilities worldwide," said Sen. Menendez. "Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in society--frequently denied the choice to live with their loved ones, to receive an education, and to engage and thrive in their communities. By shoring up our resources to amplify the voices and bolster the work of those fighting for the rights of children with disabilities around the world --particularly families of children with disabilities-- this legislation represents a significant step forward in advancing disability rights and achieving lasting reform."

This legislation was cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

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