[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF ADA

  (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, this morning, I had the privilege of 
joining President Biden at the White House to celebrate the 31st 
anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  This landmark civil rights law has drastically improved the lives of 
people with disabilities across our Nation, including mine.
  In 1980, an accidental gunshot left me paralyzed, and for 10 years, I 
experienced firsthand the adversity that the disability community faced 
before the ADA.
  Since its enactment, this law has helped break down barriers and 
stamp out discrimination. It has opened doors to new opportunities for 
people with disabilities and allowed members of our community to reach 
previously unattainable places in society.
  In fact, I can say with confidence that without the ADA, I would not 
be a Member of Congress proudly representing the people of Rhode 
Island.
  Madam Speaker, though we have made tremendous progress with the ADA, 
we can't stop fighting yet. I will continue working closely with 
advocates and lawmakers like my dear friend, our Majority Leader, Steny 
Hoyer, to advance meaningful legislation to support and protect the 
rights of people with disabilities.

                          ____________________