DAYB00K 
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT--4TH ANNIVERSARY OF ADA 
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1993
MARTIN LUTHER KING PUBLIC LIBRARY
901 G ST., N.W. 

Staff: Alec Vachon 

Purpose: AG Janet Reno will (1) announce technical assistance materials (books and pamphlets on ADA produced with Justice Dept. funding) compiled by the Kansas State Library in Topeka will be distributed to 15,000 libraries nationwide; and (2) announce two new public service announcements (PSAs) for TV and radio; (3) recognize business and people with disabilities who have worked together on accessibility. 

In the audience will be business people and people with disabilities who have worked together to implement ADA. ATTENDING WILL BE THE OWNER OF THE DAIRY QUEEN IN ELLSWORTH, JIM AND MONA GUILFOYLE, WHO WORKED WITH TIM STEININGER TO BRING THAT BUSINESS INTO ADA COMPLIANCE. TIM STEININGER WILL ALSO BE PRESENT. 

Where and When: 

12:15 p.m. Program starts. Martin Luther King Library
901 G St., N.W. (entrance is off plaza on G Street), First Floor.
On podium: Congressman Don Edwards (D-CA), Chairman, House Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. Congressman Ham Fish (R-NY) will be present but not speak. 

Reno will make short remarks, introduce Dole, Dole to make short remarks, other remarks. 

1:00 p.m. Program ends. [IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR REMARKS, LET RENO STAFF ON SITE KNOW.] 

ATTACHED:
--COPY OF RENO INVITATION.
--JUSTICE DEPT. PRESS RELEASE RE ELLSWORTH, KS COUPLE. 
--COPY OF YOUR REMARKS.
--COPY OF BACKGROUND MEMO.
--COPY OF 1989 DOLE ADA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT & COLLOQUY.
--COPY OF 1971 DOLE FLOOR STATEMENT ON NATIONAL CENTER FOR INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FOR THE HANDICAPPED. 

Office of the Attorney General
Washington, D.C. 20530
July 20. 1994 
The Honorable Robert Dole
Office of the Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510 
(End of Letterhead)

Dear Senator: 

In commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , I plan to visit the Martin Luther King Library to announce an important ADA technical assistance initiative at 12:00 noon on July 25. Your leadership was instrumental in crafting this important legislation. I would be honored if you would join me in this announcement of projects which are a direct result of the ADA provisions that you helped author. 

The Kansas State Library, with the sponsorship of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), through a technical assistance grant from the Department of Justice's Public Access Section, is distributing an "ADA Information File" (containing over 30 ADA technical assistance documents) to 15,000 libraries across the United States. We believe this project will be a cornerstone of the Department's efforts to educate individuals with disabilities and businesses in small towns and rural areas about the ADA. 

I will also be unveiling two new public service announcements (PSAs) for television and radio which we will be distributing nationwide. These PSAs encourage voluntary compliance and urge the public to call the Department's toll-free ADA Information Line or visit their local library to learn about this new law. 

I hope you will be able to join me on July 25. 

Sincerely,
Janet Reno 

Department of Justice 
EMBARGOED UNTIL 12:00 PM EST, MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
(202) 616-2765
(202) 514-1888
ATTORNEY GENERAL RENO ACKNOWLEDGES EFFORTS OF ELLSWORTH KANSAS COUPLE IN CELEBRATION OF FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA 
(End of Letterhead)

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Attorney General Janet Reno today marked the fourth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by acknowledging the efforts of an Ellsworth, Kansas, couple who took steps to make their business accessible to persons with disabilities. 

"Over the past four years the ADA has opened doors forpersons with disabilities that have long remained locked," said Reno, addressing a group of disability rights advocates. "All businesses must take steps to ensure access to persons with disabilities. It's not just the way things should be, it's the law."

After Tim Steininger, who uses a wheelchair, indicated that he needed a bendable straw from the Ellsworth Dairy Queen, the owners became interested in making their business more accessible to persons with disabilities. Jim & Mona Guilfoyle, who own the Dairy Queen Brazier, then took the advice of Tim, who was trained through the Justice Department in ADA compliance. The couple built a ramp for persons who use wheelchairs, placed levered handles on the doors, made the bathrooms accessible, and added an accessible parking spot. 

"We would rather help businesses comply with the ADA, than sue them when they don't," added Reno.

The ADA, signed on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, state and local government, public accommodations and telecommunication against the 49 million Americans with disabilities. 

"I think it's a good law, and I'm glad to see that I could comply without a great deal of expense, .. said Jim Guilfoyle.

In the past year, the Justice Department has put increased resources into encouraging voluntary compliance as well as strengthening enforcement. As part of that effort it installed a toll-free ADA hotline and proposed a $2 million increase in funding for educating citizens about the law. The Justice Department is funding a program to place ADA informational materials in 15,000 libraries across the country. In a ceremony at Washington's Martin Luther King Memorial Library, Reno highlighted several other establishments from across the country that have taken steps to make their businesses accessible as a result of Justice Department technical assistance. Some of the establishments include:

• 	Pigeon Forge, Tennessee -Dollywood Theme Park -trains its staff on the ADA, has over a hundred accessible parking spots, and provides access to several of its rides and all of its theaters and restaurants. 
• 	Albertville, Alabama -Bishop's Pharmacy -widened aisles for persons using wheelchairs, removed displays that barred access, and leveled the parking lot.
• 	Charlotte, North Carolina -Independence Arena -added accessible elevators and seating, trains its employees on the ADA, and lowered its concession counters.
• 	Hibbing, Minnesota -Graysher Shopping Center -worked with store owners to encourage accessibility in its 10 stores, added curb cuts, and provided accessible parking.
• 	Las Cruces, New Mexico -Alta Vista Animal Clinic ­installed ramp, restriped parking lot, and added levered door handles. 
• 	St. Louis, Missouri -The King & I restaurant -uses a temporary ramp, ensures accessible paths to seating area, and is upgrading accessibility of bathrooms. 

Reno also used the occasion to unveil a public service announcement that will inform Americans about the ADA. The announcement, to air nationally, provides an ADA hotline number for people to call to learn more about the law and about where to file complaints. The number is 1-800-514-0301, (TDD) 1-800-514­0383. 

94-402 

SENATOR BOB DOLE
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT COMMEMORATION OF ADA 4TH ANNIVERSARY 
JULY 25, 1994
MARTIN LUTHER KING PUBLIC LIBRARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 
(End of Letterhead)

MADAM ATTORNEY GENERAL, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, FRIENDS -­FOUR YEARS AGO THIS NATION DEDICATED ITSELF UNEQUIVOCALLY TO THE PROMISE OF FULL PARTICIPATION FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES. 

THE NEED FOR GOOD INFORMATION TO MAKE ADA WORK:
BUT WE KNEW THEN THAT BUSINESS, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WOULD NEED GOOD INFORMATION TO TURN THAT PROMISE INTO REALITY.

FOR EXAMPLE, ALTHOUGH I THINK MOST PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE BUILDINGS ACCESSIBLE, HOW TO MAKE THEM ACCESSIBLE REQUIRES REAL EXPERTISE. ARCHITECTS, CONTRACTORS, AND BUILDING OFFICIALS NEED DETAILED DESIGN GUIDELINES. IN OTHER WAYS, WE CANNOT EXPECT EACH AND EVERY BUSINESS TO FIGURE OUT FOR THEMSELVES WHICH ACCOMMODATIONS ARE NECESSARY AND COST EFFECTIVE. AND IF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE EFFECTIVE PARTNERS WITH BUSINESS, THEY MUST BE ABLE TO OFFER WORKABLE SOLUTIONS AS WELL. 

I UNDERSTAND THAT TIM STEINTNGER, A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE, AND JIM AND MONA GUILFOYLE, FROM ELLSWORTH, KANSAS, ARE HERE TODAY. TIM, WHO HAS A SEVERE DISABILITY, WORKED WITH JIM AND MONA TO MAKE THEIR DAIRY QUEEN ACCESSIBLE. THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF BUSINESS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WORKING TOGETHER. I ALSO BELIEVE A GOOD DOSE OF KANSAS COMMONSENSE PROBABLY HELPED. 

THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVISION OF ADA:
AS PART OF ADA, I BELIEVED A STRONG GOVERNMENTWIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WAS ESSENTIAL --TO MAKE NEEDED INFORMATION AVAILABLE AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES. 

IN MY VIEW, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH HOPES AND REAL ACTION.

I AM VERY PLEASED THAT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN THE NEED FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERIOUSLY OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS. 

PROUD OF KANSAS STATE LIBRARY:
AND I AM PROUD THAT THE KANSAS STATE LIBRARY TOOK THE LEAD TO MAKE LIBRARIES NATIONWIDE A SOURCE OF DEFINITIVE INFORMATION ABOUT ADA. I UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS THE "ADA INFORMATION FILE" ASSEMBLED BY THE KANSAS STATE LIBRARY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO 15,000 LIBRARIES NATIONWIDE. I AM ONLY SORRY DWAYNE JOHNSON, THE STATE LIBRARIAN, COULD NOT BE HERE TODAY. 

CRIME AND FULL PARTICIPATION:
TODAY IS A DAY OF CELEBRATION, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ONE SERIOUS POINT. NO DOUBT ABOUT, ACCESSIBILITY IS IMPORTANT. BUT IF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE AFRAID TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES, ALL THE ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE WORLD WON'T MATTER. 

IN A 1986 HARRIS SURVEY, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RANKED FEAR --FEAR OF BEING HURT, FEAR OF BEING A CRIME VICTIM --AS THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY THEY DO NOT GO OUT AS OFTEN AS OTHER AMERICANS --WHETHER TO THE MOVIES OR VISITING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YET HARDLY ANYONE HAS PAID ATTENTION TO WHAT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SAY IS THEIR BIGGEST BARRIER. WE NEED TO DO MORE ABOUT THIS.

CLOSING:
THE POET ARCHIBALD MACLEISH SAID "AMERICA WAS ALWAYS ABOUT PROMISES." ADA IS ONE OF AMERICA'S BIGGEST PROMISES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. LET US TODAY REDEDICATE OURSELVES TO FULFILLING THAT PROMISE. 

THANK YOU.
 
MEMORANDUM 
Date: July 21, 1994
To: Senator Dole
From: Alec Vachon
Re: Background to Reno Invitation 
(End of Letterhead)

Reno invites you to inaugurate a new Justice Dept. ADA technical assistance project undertaken by the Kansas State Library. 

KANSAS STATE LIBRARY PROJECT:
Last year Dwayne Johnson, State Librarian and head of the Kansas State Library in Topeka, saw an opportunity to provide good, definitive information about ADA through public libraries. The Library applied for a Justice ADA Technical Assistance Grant --a 1-year, $200,000 grant was awarded in October 1993. The "ADA Information File" compiled by Kansas State Library will be distributed to 15,000 libraries nationwide over the next few weeks. 

Dwayne Johnson was invited to the Wednesday event, but a prior commitment will keep him in Kansas. He encourages your attendance. 

Incidentally, I first became aware of the Kansas State Library initiative several weeks ago, have been in touch with Dwayne, and asked that a copy of the File be sent here. 

YOUR PRIOR CORRESPONDENCE WITH RENO:
Through this invitation, Reno may also be responding to a letter you sent her last August --pointing out that ADA was a bipartisan affair but that her anniversary celebration last year included only Democrats. Copy of memo/letter attached. 

YOUR LEGISLATIVE RECORD ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
You of course introduced the technical provision in ADA. It has been credited as the compromise that permitted ADA to go forward. 

Justice alone has awarded $16 million in technical assistance grants over the past 4 years. 

In reviewing your entire legislative record, I note your very first disability bill, introduced June 23, 1970, was for technical assistance --a National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped. 

Memorandum 
Date:  August 22,  1993  
To:  Senator Dole  
From:  Alec Vachon
Re:  Letter from Janet Reno Re ADA  

You received a letter from Janet Reno regarding the third anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (attached). Although essentially a form letter, I have drafted a reply for your signature to Ms. Reno, which makes the following points: 

Applauds the ADA-PR campaign DOJ is organizing, but expresses the view the campaign should be positive.This approach is consistent with your speech to the National Retail Federation on June 8th. 

Asks for further information about the implementation of DOJ's technical assistance program. The intent here is to let her know you are very interested in this program, and will be following it closely. Also, I have not seen DOJ's ADA technical assistance plan. 

I will also call around to the 19 organizations that have received technical assistance grants and request copies of the materials they have prepared. Some of these materials may also be of interest to the informal ADA network in Kansas. 

I will also be calling DOJ after the recess for a full briefing on their ADA activities. 

Gently tweaks Ms. Reno for not inviting any Republicans to the ADA anniversary events she and President Clinton organized. A newsletter put out by Justin Dart (attached, see pp. 2-3) describes both the Reno and Clinton ADA events. The message here is consistent with your public calls for bipartisanship in other areas. 

BOB DOLE 
KANSAS
141 Senate Hart Building
(202) 224-6521
AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
FINANCE
RULES
UNITED STATES SENATE
August 23, 1993
Washington, D.C. 20510-1601

The Honorable Janet Reno
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530 
(End of Letterhead)

Dear Ms. Reno: 
Thank you for your letter of July 30th regarding the third anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. As a sponsor of this legislation and as a person with a disability myself, I take great pride in ADA and have a keen proprietary interest in its successful implementation.
 
I applaud your efforts in publicizing the law, but hope that these advertisements will have an inspirational quality. Too often discussions of the law get lost in the technical minutiae. People need to understand why the law was needed, to promote pride in obeying the law. I believe this approach, at least in the first instance, is very important in fostering compliance. 

In reviewing the July 1993 Status Report enclosed with your letter, I noticed that 19 organizations were awarded grants under the Technical Assistance Grant Program in FY 1991 and FY 1992. As you may know, I introduced as a floor amendment sec. 506 of ADA which created the technical assistance authority under which this grant program operates. I would appreciate receiving a copy of the most recent technical assistance plan (as mandated by sec. 506(a)(2)); a list of the dollar amount of each award; and your plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the technical assistance program. 

On a related matter, I understand that you marked the third anniversary of ADA on July 26th with meetings and an event in Takoma Park. From reports of these events --and an anniversary meeting in the Oval Office by President Clinton on July 27th -­only Democratic members of Congress were invited to participate. If this information is correct, I hope in the future we may return to the original bipartisan spirit of ADA. Whatever differences folks in this town may have on other matters, disability is one issue that has no party, and is always nonpartisan and personal. ADA was drafted by a Reagan-appointed National Council on Disability, and first introduced in Congress in 1988 by Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT) and Congressman Tony Coehlo (D-CA). ADA's passage reflected broad bipartisan support. And invitations to both the signing and the first anniversary celebration of ADA at the White House took no notice of political party. 

The Honorable Janet Reno 
August 23, 1993 
Page 2 

I will look forward to your response on the technical assistance program queries. If there are any initiatives that my office can be helpful with in this area, please let me know, or my Legislative Assistant for Disability Policy, Dr. Alexander Vachon. 

With best regards, 

Sincerely,
BOB DOLE
United States Senate 
BD/rav 

S 10778 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -SENATE
September 7, 1981
(End of Headline)
the ADA? That is, can we assure employers that they will not face litigation under the ADA by current users of illegal drugs and alcohol?

Mr. HARKIN. Let me state it as clearly as I can. Users of illegal drugs, including those addicted to illegal drugs, are not protected by the ADA, regardless of whether the employee or applicant is otherwise qualified and the employee is meeting performance standards.

The technical amendment with respect to illegal drugs and alcohol was made to remove any question about the meaning of the statutory language. Although many of us believe that the language of the bill, as reported, was clear, others criticized the bill as being too vague with respect to the issue of the use of illegal drugs.

The new language assures employers that they need not worry about having to defend actions brought by casual drug users, who are not covered under the act. The act does protect drug addicts who are not current users. And we all agree that people who use controlled substances under medical supervision, are unaffected by this provision of the act.

With respect to drug testing, the ADA explicitly states that nothing in the act prohibits or restricts either drug testing or employment decisions taken on the basis of such drug tests. Therefore, an applicant who is tested and not hired because of a positive test result for illegal drugs, or an employee who is tested and is fired because of a positive test result for illegal drugs, does not have a cause of action under the ADA. If an employer performed a test which actually measured the current use of illegal drugs and the test was positive for the use of illegal drugs, the applicant or employee has no protection under the ADA. It is not a question of the employer having a defense in an action by the applicant or employee. The employer needs no such defense because the applicant or the employee has no cause of action. 

So, I think we can assure the Senator and employers, without hesitation, that employers will not face litigation under the ADA on the part of current users of illegal drugs and alcohol either for testing or for taking disciplinary action against such individuals based on such testing.

Mr. ARMSTRONG. Mr. President, I have not had a chance to see the amendment. This is a matter of interest to me. Do we have a copy of the amendment?

Mr. HARKIN. It is at the desk. We tried to clear this with both sides. I thought it had been cleared.

Mr. President, in the meantime, I ask unanimous consent that we can move ahead in the interest of time to accommodate the distinguished minority leader. I move to set aside the amendment.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the amendment will be set aside.

The Senator from Kansas. Amendment No. 719. 

(Purpose: to provide a plan to provide entities with technical assistance).

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I send an amendment on behalf of myself and Senator DOMENICI and Senator GRASSLEY to the desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendment will be stated.

The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Kansas (Mr. DOLE), for himself, Mr. DOMENICI and Mr. GRASSLEY, proposes an amendment numbered 719.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with. 

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. 

The amendment is as follows: On page 95, strike lines 4 through 14 and insert the following new subsections:
(a.) plan for assistance

(1) in general - not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Secretary of Transportation, the National Council on Disability, the Chairperson of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, and the Chairman of Federal Communications Commission, shall develop a plan to assist entities covered under this Act, along with other executive agencies and commissions, in understanding the responsibility of such entities, agencies, and commissions under this Act.

(2) Publication of Plan - The Attorney General shall publish the plan referred to in paragraph (1) for public comment in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et. seq.)

(b.) Agency and Public Assistance - the Attorney General is authorized to obtain the assistance of other Federal agencies in carrying out subsection (a), including the National Council on Disability, the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Commerce.

(c) Implementation -- 

(1) Authority to Contract -- Each department or agency that has responsibility for implementing this Act may render technical assistance to individuals and institutions that have rights or responsibilities under this Act. 

(2) Implementation of Titles -- 

(A) Title I -- the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Attorney General shall implement the plan for assistance, as described in subsection (a), for title I.

(B) Title II -- 

(i) in general -- except as provided for in clause (ii), the Attorney General shall implement such plan for assistance for title II.

(ii) Exception -- the Secretary of Transportation shall implement such plan for assistance for section 203.

(C) Title III -- the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the Chairperson of the Architectural Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, shall implement such plan for assistance for title III.

(D) Title IV -- the Chairperson of the Federal Communications Commission, in coordination with the Attorney General, shall implement such plan for assistance for title IV.

(d) Grants and Contracts --

(1) In general -- each department agency having responsibility for implementing this Act may make grants or enter contracts with individuals, profit insitutions, and nonprofit institutions, including educational institutions and groups or associations representing individuals who have rights or duties under this Act, to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

(2) Dissemination of Information -- Such grants and contracts, among other uses, may be designed to ensure wide dissemination of information about the rights and duties established by this Act and to provide information and technical assistance about techniques for effective compliance with this Act. 

(e) Failure to Receive Assistance -- Any employer, public accommodation, or other entity covered under this Act shall not be excused from meeting the requirements of this Act because of any failure to receive technical assistance under this section.

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, let me explain this amendment. It has been cleared on both sides. It is a technical assistance amendment. 

It is important that both the employers and businesses and the handicapped fully understand this legislation, once it is passed, if it is to be implemented. So that is precisely what the amendment does. It will enable the responsible Federal agencies to establish a strong Governmentwide technical assistance program. Such a program will help to educate the public about the requirements of the bill. 

Entities in the private sector need to be aware of what accommodations are both necessary and cost effective, as well as what is the best suited for particular disabled individuals.

Since many of these accommodations will be made in areas which traditionally have not been covered under the Rehabilitation Act -- that is, other than universities or Federal contractors in excess of $2,500 -- a longstanding expertise can be applied in implementing the ADA in these new areas. 

The same standards exist in the ADA that have existed for over a decade in the Rehabilitation Act. For example, reasonable accommodations which do not provide an undue burden and are limited by business necessity and safety are principles which can be defined by a decade of experience.

Technical assistance is instrumental in providing these definitions to the private sector. A thorough understanding of these principles will greatly hasten the implementation and practice of this important piece of legislation.

Given the comprehensive nature of the ADA, I believe it is our obligation to see that people with disabilities understand their new rights under the bill and that employers and businesses understand the nature of their new obligations.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there any further debate?

The Senator from New Mexico.

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, unless the distinguished minority ...

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- SENATE
January 25, 1971
S. 41 -- Introduction of the National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped Act of 1971
(End of Headline)

Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I introduce today the National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped Act. On several occasions I have called attention to the many areas of life in which the handicapped confront particularly difficult and frequently unique problems. Common to each of these areas difficulty is the problem of information. It appears that the greater the availability and coordination of knowledge, the more progress the handicapped have made toward achieving meaningful solutions and progress. It is the intent of this bill to provide this coordination and availability of information.

For our Nation's 42 million handicapped persons and their families, yesterday, today, and tomorrow are not filled with "everyday" kind of problems which can be solved or soothed by "everyday" kinds of answers. Their daily challenge is: accepting and working with a disability so that the handicapped person can become as active and useful, as independent, secure, and dignified as his ability will allow. 

Too many handicapped persons lead lives of loneliness and despair; too many feel and too many are cut off from our work-oriented society; too many cannot fill empty hours in a satisfying, constructive manner. The leisure most of us crave can and has become a curse to many of our Nation's handicapped.

Employment is universally recognized as an area in which the handicapped are underutilized and often unjustifiably restricted. Numerous organizations and programs have sought to stimulate employment of handicapped workers and to open greater opportunities for them in the mainstream of life.

The economic problems which a handicap often generates are to a certain degree understood by the general public, but the full impact on the lives of the afflicted and their families is frequently unappreciated. Some resources and financial benefits are available both through governmental and private channels, but often they are difficult to obtain or of only taken significance. 

The availability and access of needed health care facilities and personnel looms large in the lives of the handicapped. This is a matter which usually receives scant attention from the great mass of people, because they have no comparable needs in their lives. In a similar sense, rehabilitation services can be tremendously significant to the handicapped and disabled, but the pulic is largely unaware of the critical nature of this need. In rehabilitation, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare said recently that roughly 25 percent of America's disabled have not received rehabilitation services and do not know where to seek such help. They estimate at least 5 million may be eligible for assistance.

Also, in the field of education, the handicapped pose special difficulties in requirements of methodology, facilities and curricula. Slight attention and publicity have been given these matters outside fairly narrow corridors of concern and involvement.

Architectural, transportation, and housing problems are areas that cause tremendous concern for our handicapped. Again, these problems require special consideration. The many services provided by the Federal Government in conjunction with the State governments in financial assistance, rehabilitation, research, education, and training of the handicapped have helped many disabled Americans live as normal, as full and rich lives as possible.

Much has also been done to aid the handicapped through the great voluntary agencies. It is difficult to properly assess the many effects of the private sector -- in health care, education, employment; in research, employment; in research, rehabilitation, by fund-raising drives and through professional groups for the handicapped.

Our private economy and the resources of our people have combined to improve the quality of life in America in ways and for persons the Government could not begin to match.

In the framework of the presently available resources for our handicapped citizens, we must insure our efforts and money are not misplaced or misdirected -- that they actively fill the needs. It is the design of this bill to insure that all the knowledge and information regarding services be consolidated and made available to the handicapped person in the form he can use and when he most needs it. Presently, no one source exists. There is a lack of coordination and centrally available information. For example, information on rehabilitation facilities and services is incomplete and often available only through professional channels.

Much the same can be said for information on employment, health care, and economic aid. In other words the knowledge about resources, research findings, technical assistance, reports, and information about what other governmental units, private concerns, communities, businesses, and colleges have done to accommodate handicapped people is diffused and completely lackin in centralization or coordination. The National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped will provide a point of contact for individual citizens, families of the handicapped, the handicapped themselves, as well as private organizations, city, and State officials who desire information or direction.

This concept of a national center to coordinate information pertinent to the disabled has met with widespread support from all sectors of the handicapped community. The handicapped can be helped. We have the know-how and the resources to restore many more of the disabled to productive lives than are being served at present. The tragedy lies in the fact few Americans are aware of the capabilities and extent of services of modern public and private programs for the handicapped. They are also unaware of the nature and extent of disability, of the human and economic loss it imposes, and the great potential for improving the lives of the disabled through modern, comprehensive services. The problem is particularly acute when handicapped persons and their distraught families have no knowledge of where to turn when disability strikes.

The creation of this center will fill this great void. It is an answer to a specific and well-defined need, and it will meet this need at a reasonable cost. In 1969, I proposed the creation of a Presidential Task Force on the Handicapped to review efforts in the public and private sectors on a broad basis in order to determine how to best assist the handicapped to achieve maximum independence, security, and dignity.

I was highly gratified when President Nixon appointed two task forces to study the physically and mentally handicapped. The task force on the physically handicapped, composed of highly dedicated and experienced individuals from Government, industry, and private organizations, recommended the establishment of a central, national information reception and distribution network to provide a source of information regarding services for all handicapped individuals.

The center will not duplicate the function of any programs in either the Government or private sectors. Rather, its function will be coordination of information relating to all programs to the benefit of the handicapped. A small staff will be available to direct inquiries to specialized contacts -- to universities, individuals, organizations, and agencies which have special knowledge or have successfully worked on aspects of these problems. The 42 million Americans who belong to the handicapped minority will be the immediate and long-term beneficiaries of the center's services. America will be the ultimate beneficiary through increased contribution, well-being, and personal fulfillment of the handicapped.

This field truly knows no partisanship. Working together, we in the Congress as well as all interested individuals and organizations can do much to promote meaningful and productive lives for the handicapped. I urge my colleagues to support the establishment of this center.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped Act be printed in the RECORD.

The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The bill will be received and appropriately referred; and, without objection, the bill will be printed in the RECORD.

The bill (S. 41) to provide for the establishment, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, of a National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped, introduced by Mr. DOLE, was received, read twice by its title, referred to the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, and ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

S. 41

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may be cited as the "National Information and Resource Center for the Handicapped Act."

Sec. 2 (a) There is hereby established, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a National Information and Resources Center for the Handicapped (hereinafter referred to as the "Center").

(b) The Center shall have a Director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the Center to carry out its duties and functions under this Act.

Sec. 3 (a) It shall be the duty and function of the Center to collect, review, organize, publish, and disseminate (through publications, conferences, workshops or technical consultation) information and data related to the particular problems caused by handicapping conditions, including information describing measures which are or may be employed for meeting or overcoming such problems, with a view to assisting individuals who are handicapped, and organizations and persons interested in the welfare of the handicapped, in meeting problems which are peculiar to, or are made more difficult for, individuals who are handicapped. It shall further be the duty and function of the Center to cooperate with and assist other appropriate information sources with a view to coordinating and promoting the effective and economical provisions to interested parties of the information and data referred to in the preceding sentence.

(b) The information and data with respect to which the Center shall carry out its duties and functions under subsection (a) shall include (but not be limited to) information and data with respect to the following --

(1) medical and rehabilitation facilities and services;

(2) day care and other programs for young children;

(3) education;

(4) vocational training;

(5) employment;

(6) transportation;

(7) architecture and housing (including household appliances and equipment);

(8) recreation; and

(9) public or private programs established for, or which may be used in, solving problems of the handicapped.

Sec. 4 (a) The Secretary shall make available to the Center all information and data, within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, which may be useful in carrying out the duties and functions of the Center.

(b) Each other Department or agency of the Federal Government is authorized to make available to the Secretary, for use by the Center, any information or data which the Secretary may request for such use. 

(c) The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall to the maximum extent feasible enter into arrangements whereby state and other public and private agencies and institutions having information or data which is useful to the Center in carrying out its duties and functions will make such information and data available for use by the Center.

Sec. 5. There is authorized to be appropriated for carrying out the purposes of this Act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1972, the sum of $300,000, and for each fiscal year thereafter such sums as may be necessary.

S. 43 -- INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO CREAT U.S. CONSERVATION SAVINGS BONDS

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, in July of 1970, I introduced a bill to create the U.S. conservation savings bonds. Subsequent to the bill's introduction, the concept was endorsed by then Secretary of the Interior Walter J. Hickel. Additionally, other legislative proposals with a similar intent were introduced in this body.

I introduced this legislation in response to the concern of many Americans interested in preserving the quality of environmental life in our country. This bill would give all Americans a new option.

Many Americans, patriotic to our Nation, still think of savings bonds as defense bonds. While not supporting particular aspects of foreign policy, they still love the United States and want to contribute to its growth and preservation. Other Americans, strong in their belief that this country must continue its technological experimentation and advancement, still cherish the clean air, clean water, and quality of life that make this country unique.

My bill will establish the conservation trust fund. Proceeds from the sale of conservation savings bonds will go into this trust fund and may be expanded only for conservation purposes.

Passage of this legislation will enable Americans who fear their voices are not being heard to actively participate in one segment of our democratic process.

I ask unanimous consent that my bill be printed in the RECORD immediately following my remarks.

The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The bill will be received and appropriately referred: and, without objection, the bill will be printed in the RECORD.

The bill (S. 43) to authorize the issuance of U.S. conservation savings bonds in order to afford an opportunity for this people of the United States, through the purchase of such bonds, to participate in the financing of programs to conserve and improve the Nation's environment introduced by Mr. STEVENS, was received, read twice by its title referred to the Committee on Finance and ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

S. 43

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a new section 22B be added to the Second Liberty Bond Act to read as follows:

"Sec. 22B. (a) In addition to United States savings bonds, and retirement and savings bonds authorized to be issued under sections 22 and 22A of this Act, respectively. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to issue, from time to time United States conservation savings bonds, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in the trust fund created by subsection (b) of this section. Conservation savings bonds shall bear such rates of interest, shall be in such forms, shall be offered in such amounts, subject to the overall debt limitation imposed by section 21 of this Act, shall be issued in such manner, and shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including any restriction on their transfer, as the Secretary of the Treasury may from time to prescribe.

"(b) There is hereby created within the Treasury of the United States a conservation savings bond trust fund hereinafter referred to as the fund. All proceeds from the sale of conservation savings bonds shall be deposited in the fund. Amounts in the fund are hereby authorized to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation, for expenditures for conservation purposes."

S. 44 -- INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL MARINE WAYS GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAM

Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, on October 8, 1970, I introduced S. 4449, a bill relating to a Federal marine ways grant and loan program.

The pressing urge of business precluded consideration of this legislative proposal during the last Congress. Accordingly, I am reintroducing this legislation.

The finishing industry in Alaska is the large private employer in my State. More Alaskans are directly or indirectly dependent on fishing than on any other industry. It is second only to oil in the amount of revenue it brings into the State.

Fishing in Alaska involves thousands of independent fishermen living in dozens of small towns scattered over thousands of miles of Alaskan coastline. Should one of these fishermen have trouble with his boat, he is immediately in serious financial trouble, because his boat is likely to be out for the entire fishing season.

The reason for the seriousness of the consequences of so ordinary a problem as having a boat in need of repair is that there are far too few places where the repairs can be effected. The owner will often have to take his boat to the "south 48" to have it repaired and the journey to and from a point so distant from Alaska will consume almost the entire fishing season.

The solution to this problem is simple. Facilities for the repair and maintenance of vessels should be built at several of the fishing communities where the boats are moored. But, as is so often the case in these small communities, there simply is not enough capital available to finance the large investment required to provide adequate marine ways facilities.

I am introducing a bill today which will provide for Federal grants covering up to 50 percent of the cost of such facilities with Federal loans for the remainder. The Bureau of Commercial Fisheries already provides for loans for fishing vessels from the fisheries loan fund, the life...

MEMORANDUM 

Date: July 27, 1994 
To: Senator Dole
From: Alec Vachon
Re: Status Report/Health Care Reform & Disability Protests 

Attached is a copy of a flyer distributed at the White House ADA celebration this morning. Note that the disability groups are targeting Democrats right now --Mitchell and Gephardt in particular. The word I have been putting out for the past week is that these individuals will be writing the health care reform bills without Republican input, and that they should speak to them about what they want (but keep us informed). Also, we do not anticipate any filibuster. 

The group protesting around 1:00 p.m. today was Citizen Action, the single payor coalition --not a disability group. 

cc: S. Burke/D. Stanley 

ADAPT, NCIL, CCD & REAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL

WANT YOU!!! 

Join us after The White House ADA Celebration in a MARCH to the Capitol to DEMAND Americans with disabilities' Health Care Rights
 
Departing: The White House; 12:00 after the ADA Celebration 

Destination: U.S. Capitol; 1:15 (Rotunda entrance at Constitution) 

Demand: Face-to-face meeting with: Senator George Mitchell, Majority Leader, Representative Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the House, Representative Richard A. Gephardt, Majority Leader, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Chair, Finance Committee Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chair, Labor & Human Resources Committee 

MARCH: to DEMAND Universal Health Care for All!
to DEMAND Specified Comprehensive Benefit Package!
to DEMAND Long Term Care!
to DEMAND Home and Community Based Services!
to DEMAND Personal Assistance Service!

CONGRESS MUST HEAR OUR DEMANDS FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM!

NO MORE BAND-AIDS! UNIVERSAL COVERAGE NOW!

American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today, National Council on Independent Living, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities