Lois Capps: “I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and offer my strong support for H.…”

“I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and offer my strong support for H. Res. 1504. Twenty years ago, the ADA declared that the millions of Americans living with disabilities had a right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace and access to public buildings. In doing so, it acknowledged for the first time the civil rights of these Americans who live independently to fully participate in all aspects of our society, our schools, our businesses, our communities. Today we extend that participation to the Speaker's chair, and I want to acknowledge our colleague, Congressman Langevin. His place today managing debate over the people's House is long overdue. When President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA in 1990, the late Senator Ted Kennedy said, 'Equal justice under the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.' I couldn't agree more. We must protect the rights of men and women regardless of ability, mental capacity, or physicality. By removing barriers for people with disabilities, we allow America to be a society where equal justice prevails. I urge support for H. Res. 1504.”