We Must Renew Our Efforts to Restore ADA Protections

Pelosi: 'We Must Renew Our Efforts to Restore ADA Protections'

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the United States Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in Tennessee v. Lane that determined the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to state judicial services:

"The Supreme Court's decision today is a welcome departure from recent court decisions that have seriously undermined the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

"Nearly 14 years ago, the ADA was enacted 'to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.'

"The ADA was designed to end unequal treatment that prevented individuals with disabilities from participating and contributing to society and that denied them their rights as citizens. Despite the clear intent of Congress, courts in recent years have limited the enforcement of key ADA provisions, especially those related to employment.

"We must renew our efforts to restore the protections in the ADA lost by prior court rulings. We also must ensure that the ADA provisions barring discrimination in public services are given full effect-as Congress intended-to all public services, programs and activities, and is not just limited to state judicial services. We must continue our resolve to fight for the rights of people with disabilities."