[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14931-14932]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JUSTIN W. DART, JR.

  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the 
consideration of S. Res. 310, submitted earlier today by Senators 
Harkin, Hatch, Kennedy, and Gregg.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. Res. 310) honoring Justin W. Dart, as a champion 
     of the rights of individuals with disabilities.


[[Page 14932]]


  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, on Saturday, June 22, our Nation lost one 
of its great heroes: My good friend, Justin Dart, Jr. Today, my 
colleagues Senator Kennedy, Senator Hatch, and Senator Gregg, and I are 
introducing a bipartisan resolution to honor Justin Dart. His memorial 
service will occur tomorrow, July 26, the 12th anniversary of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act.
  Justin Dart was the godfather of the disability rights movement. For 
30 years he fought to end prejudice against people with disabilities, 
to strengthen the disabilities right movement, to protect the rights of 
people with disabilities. Millions of Americans with disabilities never 
knew his name but they owe him so much.
  Justin was instrumental to the passage of the ADA and many other 
policies of interest to individuals with disabilities. When President 
Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act, he gave the first pen 
to Justin Dart. He truly was the one who brought us together and give 
the inspiration and guidance to get this wonderful, magnificent bill 
through. I was proud to be at his side when he received the Medal of 
Freedom from President Clinton. Today we are proud to introduce this 
resolution to honor him and commemorate his tremendous contribution to 
the lives of Americans with disabilities across this country.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution and 
preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, and any statements related thereto be printed in the Record 
at the appropriate place.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 310) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 310

       Whereas Justin W. Dart, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois 
     in 1930;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. has been recognized as a pioneer 
     and leader in the disability rights movement;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. operated successful businesses in 
     the United States and Japan;
       Whereas 5 Presidents, 5 Governors, and Congress have seen 
     fit to appoint Justin Dart, Jr. to leadership positions 
     within the area of disability policy, including Vice Chairman 
     of the National Council on Disability, Commissioner of the 
     Rehabilitation Services Administration, Chairperson of the 
     President's Committee on Employment of People with 
     Disabilities, and Chairperson of the Congressional Task Force 
     on the Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. was a civil rights activist for 
     individuals with disabilities since he was stricken with 
     polio in 1948 and played a leadership role in numerous civil 
     rights marches across the country;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. worked tirelessly to secure 
     passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which 
     was signed into law by President Bush, and is often 
     recognized as a major driving force behind the disability 
     rights movement and that landmark legislation;
       Whereas on January 15, 1998, President Clinton awarded the 
     Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian 
     award, to Justin Dart, Jr.
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. has left a powerful legacy as a 
     civil rights advocate and his actions have benefited the 
     people of the United States;
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. is not only remembered for his 
     advocacy efforts on the behalf of individuals with 
     disabilities, but also for his energetic spirit and for the 
     formal and informal independent living skills programs for 
     individuals with disabilities that he supported; and
       Whereas Justin Dart, Jr. passed away at his home on June 
     22, 2002, and is survived by his wife, Yoshiko Dart, 5 
     daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes Justin W. Dart, Jr. as 1 of the true 
     champions of the rights of individuals with disabilities and 
     for his many contributions to the Nation throughout his 
     lifetime;
       (2) honors Justin W. Dart, Jr. for his tireless efforts to 
     improve the lives of individuals with disabilities; and
       (3) recognizes that the achievements of Justin W. Dart, Jr. 
     have inspired and encouraged millions of individuals with 
     disabilities in the United States to overcome obstacles and 
     barriers so that the individuals can lead more independent 
     and successful lives.

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