[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 147 (Thursday, December 4, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H8655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              THE ABLE ACT

  (Mr. BARR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life 
Experience Act, also known as the ABLE Act, I rise today to commend the 
House for yesterday passing this important piece of legislation that 
will help millions of Americans reach their full potential.
  As the brother of a physically disabled sister who has lived with the 
challenges associated with being physically handicapped--over a dozen 
surgeries, hip and knee replacements, walking with crutches or walkers 
and sometimes reliance on a wheelchair--I know how difficult it can be 
for millions of Americans with disabilities and their families.
  I also know from my sister, who graduated from college, went on to 
seminary, married her college sweetheart, adopted a beautiful little 
girl, and now serves others as a priest in the Episcopal church, that 
the challenges associated with being handicapped can be overcome.
  The ABLE Act will help ease financial strains faced by millions of 
Americans with disabilities and their families and help them save for 
the future by creating tax-free savings accounts available to cover 
disability-related expenses. This provides families with a severely 
disabled child some peace of mind by allowing them to save for their 
child's long-term disability expenses.
  We are better off as a Nation when disabled Americans are given tools 
like the ABLE Act to not only achieve self-sufficiency but to 
contribute and give back to our society.

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