Political Quotes

“Mr. President, let me thank Senator Kerry, Senator McCain, Senator Lugar, and so many others who have brought this matter to the floor. It was 22 years ago when an historic event took place on the floor of this Senate which changed the United States of America. It was 22 years ago when we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, and we said a disability should not disqualify you or limit you in terms of your opportunity as an American. Some people thought: This is obvious, everyone knows. But what was also obvious was there was discrimination taking place all across this great land. We removed that barrier to discrimination. And in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act, we stepped forward as a Nation. Was there fear and concern? Of course. I can recall going to Green County in rural Illinois and walking in Carrollton into City Hall, and they said: Does this mean we have to build a new restroom for the disabled? The answer was, Yes, and curb cuts, and other changes that seem so superficial to many but mean literally whether a disabled person can be part of America. What we did 22 years ago, though, wasn't novel. Because if you look at the course of American history, I think we have distinguished ourselves and successive generations by expanding the reach of freedom and opportunity. Think about how many times we have done that.…”