July 15, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 118 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RETIREMENT OF HELENA BERGER, A CHAMPION OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2019

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise to mark the twenty-ninth anniversary 
next week of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed 
into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. This 
transformative and trailblazing piece of legislation, which was 
supported by both Democrats and Republicans, serves as a lasting 
reminder that Congress can bring so much opportunity for our people 
when we join together for the greater good. The ADA calls us to 
continue to act on behalf of millions of Americans with disabilities to 
ensure that their hopes, dreams, and aspirations are as valid and 
attainable as those of every other American. It remains a powerful 
expression of Congress's determination that disability rights are civil 
rights.
  On July 23, advocates for those with disabilities are also pausing to 
celebrate and recognize the many contributions of Helena Berger, 
President & CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities 
(AAPD), who will be retiring this August after thirty years of service 
and leadership in the disability rights movement. Ms. Berger held 
several leadership positions with AAPD prior to becoming President & 
CEO, including Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, and 
Executive Vice President. Under Ms. Berger's leadership, AAPD has 
significantly increased its reach and impact across the country, 
including through the expansion of AAPD's renowned Summer Internship 
Program, which cultivates the next generation of leaders in the 
disability rights movement.
  I join in thanking Ms. Berger for her years of service to AAPD and 
the broader disability rights community, for her tireless efforts to 
fight for representation and economic opportunities for Americans with 
disabilities, and for ensuring that AAPD can continue to advocate on 
their behalf for years to come. I hope all of my colleagues who value 
and celebrate what the ADA represents will join me in paying tribute to 
Ms. Berger for her leadership and wishing her all the best in her 
retirement.

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