House passes legislation to help disabled Americans and their families

Yesterday, I proudly joined with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help the 56 million Americans with disabilities and their families pay for education, housing, transportation and healthcare.

The “Achieving a Better Life Experience Act,” creates tax-preferred savings accounts similar to the 529 accounts used by millions of families to pay for their children’s college education. Beneficiaries will be able to make tax-free withdrawals and pay for many essential expenses from dental care to employment training. It gives individuals with disabilities the same type of savings tools as people with flexible health savings accounts or individual retirement accounts.

As one of 380 cosponsors, I am thrilled to see this bill have such bipartisan and widespread support. Families of individuals with disabilities such as autism, blindness, Down syndrome and permanent injuries face enormous financial struggles most of us cannot imagine. This bill will help provide both parity and peace of mind for many.

Today, the House demonstrated what is possible with bipartisan cooperation.