[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to help mark the 10th 
anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Members in this 
body can be justifiable proud of efforts taken to enact that law which 
has been a force for good and has given many persons otherwise excluded 
from participation in our society the opportunity to contribute their 
talents and enjoy the full benefits of our Nation.
  I recall the ringing support for enactment of the act before my 
Judiciary Committee from the then-Attorney General, Richard Thornburgh, 
who had been the Governor of my State of Pennsylvania. Attorney General 
Thornburgh's view of the disabled and their struggles was influenced by 
a family encounter himself with disability--as was also President Bush. 
Their sensitivity to the condition of others provided the environment 
that enabled the ADA to be enacted.
  In 1986, President Ronald Reagan received a report entitled ``Toward 
Independence'' from the National Council on Disability. That report 
recommended the enactment of comprehensive legislation to ban 
discrimination against persons with disabilities. Subsequently, the 
Bush administration, together with the Congress and the disabled 
community, crafted this excellent legislation which has meant so much 
not only for those disabled by nature but also those additionally 
victimized by society's ignorance and neglect. Because of this law, 
great talent has been unleashed by simple changes in the physical 
environment in homes and in the workplace. But even more so, our 
physically enabled citizens have gained immeasurably themselves from 
contact with their disabled brothers and sisters. They have seen on a 
daily basis the struggle, the effort, and the dedication of those who 
have overcome so much to enter an environment from which they were 
formerly excluded. These people did not want a handout, they wanted to 
put their hands out, to work and live in their own communities and all 
of us are better for their efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, only 10 years have passed since the enactment of the ADA 
but it has already enabled countless citizens to begin the journey 
toward our goal of complete integration of society based upon talent, 
merit, and effort. We have seen with our own eyes the progress that has 
been made as we stand at the act's 10-year anniversary and I am 
anxiously anticipating the dreams that will be realized in the future 
for all Americans.

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