Political Quotes

“I take the floor tonight to discuss a resolution that I have introduced with Senator Warner to permit individuals with disabilities full access to the floor of the U.S. Senate. I believe that this resolution will be approved later tonight and has been reviewed by both the majority and the minority. I anticipate that it will be incorporated into the final business of the U.S. Senate during the wrap-up session before the session formally concludes. Mr. President, this resolution that I offer tonight will close the book on discrimination against individuals with disabilities on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year, after a visually impaired professional on my staff was barred from bringing her guide dog onto the floor, the Senate adopted a resolution providing for temporary case-by-case entry to the floor for those professionals with disabilities. This was a good step-- an important step. But it still left some room for discrimination. The resolution that will be considered by the Senate tonight will ensure that as a matter of formal Senate rule there is no discrimination permitted against individuals with disabilities. There will no longer be a double standard in the U.S. Senate. Senate staffers with disabilities who have the privilege of the Senate floor will be permitted to bring onto the Senate floor supporting aids and services such as canes, service dogs, interpreters, or assistive devices.”