[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 97 (Monday, July 24, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H6757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    APPLAUDING LEADERSHIP IN ADVOCACY OF RIGHTS OF DISABLED PERSONS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Kuykendall). Under a previous order of 
the House, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to join my 
congratulations and recognize the Presidential Task Force on Employment 
of Adults with Disabilities and the American Association of People With 
Disabilities.
  I rise today to applaud the leadership that has been shown in the 
advocacy for the rights of the disabled, the mentally and physically 
challenged.
  I am delighted to be able to salute the spirit of the ADA torch relay 
which evidences that we all are created equal. I join my colleagues who 
have come to this floor to acknowledge that when this country speaks of 
equality and in its Declaration of Independence, when it offers to the 
American people the opportunity for equality and a good quality of 
life, they speak of everyone no matter what one's position in life and 
what one's ability.
  The people who are physically challenged and mentally challenged have 
shown us that it is not limiting in their spirit or their ability to 
achieve. I am very gratified that they continue to press their point of 
equality and justice.
  I believe it is important that we in the United States Congress 
support the Americans with Disabilities Act in its reauthorization and 
its implementation. It is important that the businesses of America 
recognize that they are advantaged by hiring individuals with 
disabilities.
  I recall making a speech some few weeks ago, and I spoke about 
America's greatness and its diversity. I remember being reminded by 
someone who came to me in a wheelchair never to forget that diversity 
is also reflected in Americans with disabilities. Just a few weeks ago, 
that very same person came to the United States Congress along with 20 
other representatives from the community of individuals who are 
disabled.
  Unfortunately, this own Capitol, our own Capitol was very hard for 
them to access, but, nevertheless, they were not frustrated, they did 
not yield, and they persisted in getting into the United States Capitol 
that belongs to all of the American people.
  I think it is important that we allow people with disabilities to be 
independent, and that is why I supported legislation that would not 
diminish their benefits if they worked, for we all deserve that 
affirmation that we are able to support ourselves and to stand for 
ourselves.
  I would hope that we, as the United States Congress and the American 
people, will continue to promote and enhance those who are physically 
challenged and who may be mentally challenged. People with disabilities 
are our friends, our brothers, our family members, our sisters, mothers 
and fathers and our children. They deserve our affirmation.
  So today, Mr. Speaker, I rise and affirm them and congratulate them 
for persisting on the grounds of their own equality, and I seek to have 
this United States Congress and our legislative initiatives continue to 
affirm opportunities for them in providing opportunities for them to 
work and as well making sure that the resources that they earn still 
allow them to have good health care, good educational resources, good 
housing.
  Again, I implore American businesses to find the talented among 
Americans with disabilities and for all of us to make sure that 
everywhere is accessible to all Americans.

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