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From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 
                                  ACT

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 
30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark 
piece of legislation for people with disabilities.
  More than 55 million Americans have a disability, whether it is 
physical, learning, cognitive, or other.
  There are many ways we can support this community and providing job 
opportunities is a great place to start. Many Americans with 
disabilities struggle to find employment, despite the wealth of skills 
they have to offer, and a job can provide independence, economic self-
sufficiency, and pride.
  We must also support students with disabilities. I am proud to be a 
cosponsor of the IDEA Full Funding Act, a bill that creates a 10-year 
plan to hold the Federal Government accountable for the full 40 percent 
of funding for special education promised by Congress in the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975.
  Mr. Speaker, the Americans with Disabilities Act is an incredible 
milestone for legal protections for Americans with disabilities, but we 
can still do more to fight stigmas, defy prejudice, and empower those 
with disabilities in our everyday lives.

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