[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 27, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FIGHT FOR INCLUSION FAR FROM OVER

  (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, yesterday marked the 32nd anniversary of 
the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  When I was 16 years old, an accidental gunshot left me permanently 
paralyzed. That was 1980, 10 years before the ADA was enacted into law.
  Then on July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into 
law, and my life and the lives of millions of others were transformed.
  For 32 years, the ADA has broken down barriers and helped millions of 
people with disabilities to reach places in society that were 
previously unattainable. No longer do Americans with disabilities face 
legalized discrimination in places of public accommodation, employment, 
transportation, and so much more.
  In fact, without the ADA, I would not be here today proudly 
representing the Second Congressional District of Rhode Island as the 
first quadriplegic ever elected to Congress. Yet, our fight for 
universal accessibility and inclusion is far from over.
  Millions of Americans with disabilities are counting on this body to 
do what is right and continue the battle for accessibility and 
inclusion. I hope to be a partner in that fight for many years to come.

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