"Today the president signed much-needed legislation that reinstates the important protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA was a historic milestone when it was signed into law 18 years ago, but recent decisions by the Supreme Court severely restricted the scope of the Act. As a result, people with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions could not enjoy the full protections of the law. That is unacceptable.
"Today, we correct that mistake. The ADA Amendments Act restores the original intent of Congress to protect the civil rights of all Americans with disabilities. But this entire process shows why we need judges who will honor the intent of the ADA and similar laws designed to protect the civil rights of all Americans.
"I was proud to co-sponsor the ADA Amendments Act and I want to commend Senator Tom Harkin and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for their leadership on this issue. But we must not let this milestone be the end of our journey. There is still much to do to ensure that we fully protect those of us living with disabilities, and live up to our founding promise of equality and opportunity for all Americans."
