New bill to restore rights of the disabled

Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Majority Leader, spoke at a press conference about the American Disabilities Restoration Act. He said that the American court system has slowly chipped away at the rights of the disabled by narrowing the definition of a disability. This bill should broaden the definition of a disability and restore rights to disabled Americans. He said this bill also directs companies to lower the burden of disability. He said that this was an important aspect to ensuring the rights of the disabled.

He said this bill will restore the ADA act to its rightful place in America and Congressman Hoyer said that it is a victory for civil rights. He said that the bill should be through the house by the end of the day. He said that he hopes the Senate will vote soon and President Bush can sign the bill as soon as possible.

He said that since President Bush Sr. signed the bill 18 years ago it has been eroding, offering less and less protection for the disabled. He said that this restoration act should fix that problem.