On the recordDecember 4, 2012
I thank Senator Kerry for the recognition. I appreciate it. I have been an earlier supporter of the ratification of this important treaty. I am pleased to have worked with Senators Durbin, McCain, Harkin, Coons, and Barrasso. In particular, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee. I thank all of these fine Senators for their bipartisan work on this bill. We still have work to do to improve our treatment and acceptance of disabled persons. But through the Americans with Disabilities Act, the United States has been at the forefront of protecting the dignity of people with disabilities. This treaty will help expand American values and leadership throughout the world. It is a vital step forward in respecting the rights of the disabled. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I am aware of the challenges many countries face. These challenges include supporting their disabled citizens. Our Nation has set the standard for improving access to buildings, technology, and other areas for the disabled. Without the United States accepting its leadership role, it is possible that different standards could be adopted internationally. As for one example, this would place disabled travelers at a disadvantage. They would be forced to deal with different standards while traveling overseas.…
