Tom Harkin: “First, let me thank the Senator from Ohio for his kind words. But more than that, more meaningfully, to thank him for…”

“First, let me thank the Senator from Ohio for his kind words. But more than that, more meaningfully, to thank him for all his help and support on so many broad issues that deal with working people in America and, especially now at this time, people with disabilities. I thank him for his service on the board for Gallaudet University. It is a great institution. I would hope everybody could pay a visit to Gallaudet. It is one of the 'crown jewels' of our government. As Senator Brown said, it is the only place in the world where a student who is deaf can go and get a liberal arts education. Quite frankly, as the Senator knows, we do bring students from other countries over here who go to Gallaudet and then go to their home countries after graduating. I thank the Senator for his service on the board of Gallaudet University. Before Senator Brown spoke, I was talking a little bit about one of the unfulfilled promises of ADA; that is, independent living, the idea that people should not be forced to go into a nursing home just to get support so they can live.”