Bipartisan ABLE Act Sails Through House

Legislation helps individuals with disabilities save for their future

WASHINGTON, DC – The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Introduced by Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL-04), the ABLE Act creates special tax-free savings accounts for expenses related to caring for an individual with disabilities. The legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 404-17.

Congressman Pat Meehan (PA-07) was a cosponsor of the bill.

“Thousands of Pennsylvania families struggle every day to care for people with conditions like autism and down syndrome,” said Congressman Meehan. “The ABLE Act will help ease the strain. Similar to a ‘529’ college savings account, the bill will make care more affordable by allowing families to save tax-free and use those dollars on qualified expenses like education, transportation and housing. This means more money in the pockets of those coping with disabilities and their families.”

The ABLE Act now awaits action in the Senate, where companion legislation has 75 cosponsors.

“The ABLE Act has tremendous support from both sides of the aisle. I’m hopeful the Senate will act quickly to help people with disabilities save for their future,” Meehan said.