[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 504 DEMOCRATIC CLUB AND ITS DISTINGUISHED 
                            HONOREES COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 504 Democratic 
Club on the occasion of its annual banquet and award dinner. I am 
pleased to offer my best wishes to the club's members, friends and 
honorees for another year of outstanding public service. 
  The 504 Democrats derive their name from Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which mandates that all federally funded 
programs must be accessible to people with disabilities. This landmark 
legislation was the precursor to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  For 21 years, the members of the 504 Democratic Club have been vocal 
advocates for people with disabilities. The club's membership works 
within the democratic process to promote policies that recognize the 
barriers faced by people with disabilities. Furthemore, the group 
strives to remind the people of New York to remain vigilant in the 
effort to improve access to housing, health care, education, voting, 
jobs, public transportation and other areas.
  I am pleased to congratulate the club's distinguished awardees: my 
esteemed colleague Congressman Jerrold Nadler, who has always worked to 
promote the rights of the disabled; James Weisman, chairman of the 
American Association of People with Disabilities and counsel to the 
United Spinal Association; Alexander Wood, executive director of the 
Disabilities Network of NYC; Pamela Bates, president of 504 Northstar; 
and Micah Kellner, New York State Democratic Committeeman and former 
member of my staff. These five individuals are outstanding advocates. 
Individually, they have made significant contributions to improving the 
lives of the disabled. Collectively, they would be a force to be 
reckoned with.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that my distinguished colleagues join me in 
paying tribute to the 504 Democratic Club for its longstanding 
tradition of advocacy and public service.

                          ____________________