Elizabeth Dole: “Very briefly, this amendment would authorize disability related educational and cultural exchange programs for USIA.…”

“Very briefly, this amendment would authorize disability related educational and cultural exchange programs for USIA. Madam President, I want to thank the bill managers for accepting my amendment, which I offer on behalf of myself and Senators Hatfield, Kennedy, Harkin, Helms, and Murkowski, that gives the U.S. Information Agency [USIA] specific authority to address disability issues in its educational and cultural exchange programs, and, most important to increase participation by people with disabilities in these programs. I know this is a matter of considerable interest to many other Members of Congress as well. For example, in its report on fiscal year 1994 USIA funding, the House Committee on Appropriations requested the Director of USIA to place more emphasis on programs which include the disabled. Madam President, this amendment is important because it reaffirms America's growing commitment to be a global leader in ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities worldwide.”