[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 34 (Monday, February 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM ACT OF 2017

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2018

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 620) to 
     amend the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote 
     compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for 
     demand letters, to provide for a notice and cure period 
     before the commencement of a private civil action, and for 
     other purposes.

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 620, the latest 
Republican attack on our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers 
with disabilities. Just as they did with cuts to Medicaid for people 
with disabilities, Republicans are once again demonstrating the cruelty 
of their backwards agenda.
  Nearly three decades ago, the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) 
was passed and basic civil rights were guaranteed for persons with 
disabilities. Like the Civil Rights Act, the goal of the ADA was to 
remove ``unjustified segregation and exclusion of persons with 
disabilities'' in public accommodations such as hotels, restaurants, 
and theaters. The ADA did not enable individuals to bring lawsuits 
against public accommodations for non-compliance; however, many states 
have expanded these rights. If there are abuses, the states can and 
should solve these issues.
  H.R. 620 undermines the basic goals of the ADA by creating a 
disincentive for voluntary compliance of business owners and creating 
burdensome requirements for individuals to bring a private lawsuit for 
noncompliance. Contrary to what its supporters claim, H.R. 620 would 
create unnecessary hurdles for victims of discrimination to file an ADA 
claim. Over its nearly 30 year history, the ADA has been a monumental 
success story. But instead of building on that success, this Republican 
bill makes it harder for people with disabilities to protect their 
right to access public accommodations.
  I have heard from countless people with disabilities in Minnesota who 
are unified in their opposition to this Republican bill. I stand with 
them, and numerous groups representing people with disabilities, 
seniors, and veterans, opposing this harmful legislation that rolls 
back the ADA and Americans' civil rights.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 620.

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