[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H7710-H7711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 28TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1

[[Page H7711]]

minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, 28 years ago, President George H.W. Bush 
signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. I was proud to be a lead 
sponsor of that legislation and to be on hand for the bill signing on 
this day 28 years ago, together with former Democratic Whip Tony 
Coelho; Representatives Steve Bartlett and Jim Sensenbrenner; and 
Senators Tom Harkin, Ted Kennedy, Bob Dole, Orrin Hatch, and Lowell 
Weicker. Other individuals present were:
  President George H.W. Bush; Dave Capozzi; Justin Dart; Yoshiko Dart; 
Chai Feldblum; Lex Frieden; Boyden Gray (Counsel to President Bush); 
Anthony Imparato; Arlene Mayerson; Paul Marchand; Ed Markey; John 
McCain; Normal Mineta; Ralph Neas; Katie Neas; Carolyn Ocelinik; Becky 
Ogle; Lee Page; Liz Savage; Bobby Silverstein (Hatch); Melissa 
Schulman; Cheryl Sensenbrenner; Bob Williams; John Wodatch, Esq.; and 
Pat Wright.
  We worked hard to shepherd that legislation to passage with strong 
bipartisan support. The ADA has reshaped the landscape of our country 
for millions of people living with disabilities, and, indeed, for many 
millions throughout the world. It has done more than build ramps or 
widen doorways.
  It has changed perceptions and brought greater understanding, not 
only to the abilities of those who were previously excluded, but also 
to the challenges of living with a disability.
  I am glad we have been able to come together to strengthen the ADA 
over the years in the same spirit of bipartisanship that we had at its 
inception.
  Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate this anniversary each year, we 
rededicate ourselves to the project of protecting the civil rights of 
Americans with disabilities and expanding opportunity, equality, and 
access for all of our people.

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