Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 Being Signed into Law
Thursday, September 25, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael Ortiz
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after President Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (S.3406) into law. Senator Obama is a cosponsor of this legislation.
"With nearly fifty-four million Americans living with disabilities today, the President took an important step forward by signing the ADA Amendments Act into law, which will reverse judicial decisions that permit discrimination against persons with disabilities. It must be a priority for our government to do everything it can to protect and respect the needs of these Americans.
"Eighteen years ago, enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act was a historic milestone for millions of Americans when it was signed into law. It gave Americans with disabilities better access, more opportunities, and increased independence.
"While we still have much more to do, this law is an important affirmation of our commitment to Americans with disabilities. I commend Senator Harkin, a true leader on behalf of Americans with disabilities, for moving this bill through Congress.