Political Quotes

“I am here to join my colleagues, as I had the great pleasure of being in the chair for a while this afternoon to hear some of the expression of support for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was very eloquent, and it was bipartisan. I begin by thanking Senators Kerry and Lugar for their efforts in the Foreign Relations Committee to not only pass the treaty in committee but to bring it to the Senate floor for this consideration. I certainly support ratification of the Disabilities Convention because it is the right thing to do and because it puts the United States back where we belong: as leaders of the international community and defending, protecting, and promoting the quality of rights of all people in our world, regardless of their situation. From equality and nondiscrimination to equal recognition before the law, to access to justice, this convention touches on all these issues that Americans have long held near and dear to our hearts. Ratifying this convention would reaffirm our leadership, leadership that was established under the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act legislation that this Congress passed in 1990. This was the first of its kind, domestic legislation that addressed the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. It sent a message to the world that we would support the principles of equal treatment and nondiscrimination with respect to those with disabilities.…”