Tom Harkin: “I have come to the floor, today, to introduce the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act. I am very pleased that Senator Hatch has…”

“I have come to the floor, today, to introduce the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act. I am very pleased that Senator Hatch has joined me in introducing this legislation, as well as Senator Dodd, who has been a long time supporter of the Best Buddies program. We are also joined by 8 other co-sponsors, both Republicans and Democrats, demonstrating the bipartisan support for this legislation. The Special Olympics program is respected around the world as a model and leader in using sport to end the isolation and stigmatization of individuals with intellectual disabilities. For more than 40 years, Special Olympics has encouraged skill development, sharing, courage and confidence through year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through their programs, Special Olympics has helped to ensure that millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities are assured of equal opportunities for community participation, access to appropriate health care, and inclusive education, and to experience life in a nondiscriminatory manner.”