Tom Harkin: “On Saturday, June 22, our Nation lost one of its great heroes: My good friend, Justin Dart, Jr. Today, my colleagues…”

“On Saturday, June 22, our Nation lost one of its great heroes: My good friend, Justin Dart, Jr. Today, my colleagues Senator Kennedy, Senator Hatch, and Senator Gregg, and I are introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor Justin Dart. His memorial service will occur tomorrow, July 26, the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Justin Dart was the godfather of the disability rights movement. For 30 years he fought to end prejudice against people with disabilities, to strengthen the disabilities right movement, to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Millions of Americans with disabilities never knew his name but they owe him so much. Justin was instrumental to the passage of the ADA and many other policies of interest to individuals with disabilities. When President Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act, he gave the first pen to Justin Dart. He truly was the one who brought us together and gave the inspiration and guidance to get this wonderful, magnificent bill through. I was proud to be at his side when he received the Medal of Freedom from President Clinton. Today we are proud to introduce this resolution to honor him and commemorate his tremendous contribution to the lives of Americans with disabilities across this country.”