Political Quotes

“I am speaking tonight on behalf of the millions of Americans living with disabilities, and on behalf of the many more who, whether they know it or not, are just 1 day, one accident, one devastating medical diagnosis away from acquiring a disability as well. I come to the floor on their behalf because I came to the floor by rolling through the Capitol's corridors in the wheelchair you see me sitting on now, and I could come to the floor because 30 years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, granting millions of Americans like me better access to the full, independent lives we deserve. That landmark legislation only passed because of the dedicated activists who proudly crowded in front of this building in 1990 to demand that their country finally give those with disabilities the basic rights the Constitution provided. It only became law because dozens of them got out of their wheelchairs, set down their crutches, and crawled up the 83 steps of the Capitol Building--because Jennifer Keelan, an 8-year-old with cerebral palsy, pulled herself to the top of the steps, saying, ``I'll take all night if I have to,'' and because those around her refused to leave a fellow American behind, offering Jennifer support when she needed it, one step, one shoulder to lean on at a time. Thirty years ago, these activists changed Senators' hearts, minds, and, most importantly, votes. Thirty years ago, this legislative body said that people like me mattered.…”