[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 65 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E753-E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2013

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2012

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5326) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, 
     Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2013, and for other purposes:

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I rise today out of concern for the 
language in this bill that would hinder the access of people with 
disabilities to swimming pools.

[[Page E754]]

  The standards that this language would undermine were based on 
standards first adopted under the Bush Administration. They are common-
sense, flexible, and an important step for our constituents with 
disabilities.
  Yet the language in this bill would prohibit the Department of 
Justice from enforcing these regulations, even though swimming venues 
only need to satisfy these standards if doing so is ``readily 
achievable'' and does not cause an undue burden.
  These regulations would allow disabled Americans seeking to swim for 
physical relief, emotional therapy, or simple enjoyment the ability to 
do so, thus enjoying the same benefits that you or I would receive from 
swimming. And the regulations ensure that no business faces an undue 
hardship in doing so.
  I'm disappointed that this language made its way into the bill.
  Sometimes it feels like there is little we can agree on here, and I 
would hope that providing physical, emotional, and social relief to 
Americans struggling with physical disabilities while not imposing on 
businesses would be something we could come together on. I hope that as 
this bill goes to conference, this harmful language is removed so that 
all Americans--regardless of abilities--can enjoy one of life's simple 
pleasures.

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