U.S. Senator Chris Dodd

[Page: S3382]

Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Senate Resolution 72, to allow disabled people with floor privileges to bring supporting services onto the floor with them when appropriate. For years, the disability community has fought for the right to be included and to be brought into the economic and social mainstream of American life. This resolution represents one more step forward in that long struggle to win equal treatment.

Throughout our history, the rules of the Senate have served us extraordinarily well. They enable us to preserve order and decorum so that the affairs of our Nation can be debated, discussed, and considered in a reasoned, deliberate manner. Yet, as is true of any set of rules, occasionally the need for change becomes apparent. Such a moment occurred in the Senate on Monday when a Senator sought floor privileges for a member of his staff who is blind and utilizes a guide dog in her work.

As a body, we responded to this moment as we should have: Carefully, deliberately, and swiftly. The staff member in question was granted access to the floor, and Senate Resolution 72 was promptly referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. I am hopeful that, in due course, we will revise our rules to allow all people with disabilities to bring supporting services with them to the floor when appropriate.

Former Senator Lowell Weicker of my home State once said that people with disabilities spend a lifetime overcoming not what God wrought but what man imposed by custom and law. This resolution gratefully eliminates some of those customs and laws. It is an important step for disabled Americans, for the Senate, and for the entire country.