[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1462-E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2010

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today in 
honor of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
On July 26, 1990, thousands gathered on the South Lawn of the White 
House as former President George H.W. Bush signed into law legislation 
that would provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the 
elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. 
This moment changed the lives of so many Americans, and I rise today to 
recognize the overwhelming importance of this law.
  Over the past 20 years, this law has allowed Americans with 
disabilities to have access to educational opportunities, employment, 
transportation, buildings, and community affairs that once presented 
insurmountable obstacles.
  In June of 2008, it was my honor to advance the cause of this 
legislation even further by voting in favor of the Americans with 
Disabilities Amendments Act, legislation which provides Americans with 
disabilities an even broader scope of freedom and protection. And 
today, it is my honor yet again to support a House Resolution 
recognizing and honoring this 20th anniversary of the original Act.
  Mr. Speaker, this law has improved the lives of millions of Americans 
with disabilities. But while we celebrate the freedom and opportunities 
provided by the ADA, we must also recognize that there is more work to 
be done. We should help all Americans, regardless of their physical or 
mental abilities. I am committed to continuing this work, and I look 
forward to working with my colleagues to ensure all people can reach 
their full potential.
    

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