The Able Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life
Experience Act, also known as the ABLE Act, I rise today to commend the
House for yesterday passing this important piece of legislation that
will help millions of Americans reach their full potential.

As the brother of a physically disabled sister who has lived with the
challenges associated with being physically handicapped--over a dozen
surgeries, hip and knee replacements, walking with crutches or walkers
and sometimes reliance on a wheelchair--I know how difficult it can be
for millions of Americans with disabilities and their families.

I also know from my sister, who graduated from college, went on to
seminary, married her college sweetheart, adopted a beautiful little
girl, and now serves others as a priest in the Episcopal church, that
the challenges associated with being handicapped can be overcome.

The ABLE Act will help ease financial strains faced by millions of
Americans with disabilities and their families and help them save for
the future by creating tax-free savings accounts available to cover
disability-related expenses. This provides families with a severely
disabled child some peace of mind by allowing them to save for their
child's long-term disability expenses.

We are better off as a Nation when disabled Americans are given tools
like the ABLE Act to not only achieve self-sufficiency but to
contribute and give back to our society.

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