Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee applauded the Senate for voting to protect American sovereignty, uphold the rights of parents, and block the recognition of so-called international “entitlement rights.”  Thirty-seven senators joined Lee in opposing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in an effort to ensure certain provisions would not become the “supreme law of the land.”   

“America is the gold standard when it comes to protecting the rights of the disabled. Today’s vote doesn’t change that,” said Lee after the vote. “Instead, the Senate rightfully rejected a treaty that could threaten the rights of parents to determine the best education, treatment, and care for their disabled children.  It also halted our possible descent down the rabbit hole of international ‘entitlement rights’ – which could have serious consequences for domestic law.  I applaud the Senate for preserving our sovereignty.”

The UNCRPD received 61 votes of support and ratification requires two-thirds of the Senate to vote in favor.  

For more information of Senator Lee’s concerns with UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities click here.