Orrin Hatch: “I would like to take a brief time out from the debate on the nomination of Judge Barkett to salute our distinguished…”

“I would like to take a brief time out from the debate on the nomination of Judge Barkett to salute our distinguished Republican leader, Bob Dole, on the silver anniversary of his maiden speech in the Senate. On April 14, 1969, the Senator from Kansas delivered a speech that was both moving and substantive on the difficulties faced by Americans with disabilities. If you read that speech today, you find that it is in many ways, still very relevant. While it took us 22 years from the date of that speech to enact the Americans With Disabilities Act, the speech of the Senator from Kansas taught us that no legislation can restore physical ability. He helped us view the handicap through the eyes of the individual who copes with it every day. While the ADA and other Federal programs have been enacted over the years since that speech, programs that I have been proud to support since I have served in this body, the speech of the Senator from Kansas helped us understand that our focus ought to be on people, not programs.”