[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page S3383]]



                   IN SUPPORT OF SENATE RESOLUTION 72

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Senate 
Resolution 72, to allow disabled people with floor privileges to bring 
supporting services onto the floor with them when appropriate. For 
years, the disability community has fought for the right to be included 
and to be brought into the economic and social mainstream of American 
life. This resolution represents one more step forward in that long 
struggle to win equal treatment.
  Throughout our history, the rules of the Senate have served us 
extraordinarily well. They enable us to preserve order and decorum so 
that the affairs of our Nation can be debated, discussed, and 
considered in a reasoned, deliberate manner. Yet, as is true of any set 
of rules, occasionally the need for change becomes apparent. Such a 
moment occurred in the Senate on Monday when a Senator sought floor 
privileges for a member of his staff who is blind and utilizes a guide 
dog in her work.
  As a body, we responded to this moment as we should have: Carefully, 
deliberately, and swiftly. The staff member in question was granted 
access to the floor, and Senate Resolution 72 was promptly referred to 
the Committee on Rules and Administration. I am hopeful that, in due 
course, we will revise our rules to allow all people with disabilities 
to bring supporting services with them to the floor when appropriate.
  Former Senator Lowell Weicker of my home State once said that people 
with disabilities spend a lifetime overcoming not what God wrought but 
what man imposed by custom and law. This resolution gratefully 
eliminates some of those customs and laws. It is an important step for 
disabled Americans, for the Senate, and for the entire country.

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