Date: 7/11/90 To: Mo West 224-8952 From: Jane West FAX # 301-277-7883 Phone# 301-699-8594 Jane West 51074 42nd Avenue Hyattsville, Md. 20781 Page 1 of 4 Message: Attached are the new last 2 pages of the ADA Commission proposal. I’ll have a complete clean copy for you when we meet. Also attached is the draft letter for Nancy Jones. Looking for you on TV! [smiley face] [Page 1] MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT In order to lend credence and visibility to the Commission, The Council recommends that Members of the Commission be appointed from among the ranks of the most successful and visible in the various fields. A list of the most potential appointees follows. This list is intended as examples of the types of people who would be appropriate on the Commission. It is not a recommendation or endorsement for the appointment of the particular individuals listed. The Honorable Robert Dole Minority Leader U.S. Senate Chairman Bano Schmidt, President Yale University The Reverend Billy Graham Minister The Honorable Elizabeth Dole Secretary of Labor Lane Kirkland, President AFL-CIO Mr. Scully, CEO Apple Computer Russell Redenbaugh Commissioner U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Sandra Swift Parrino, Chairperson National Council on Disability Mr. J.W. Marriott, President Marriott Corporation The Honorable Steve Barlett U.S. House of Representatives Henry Betts, M.D., CEO Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago The Honorable Louis Sullivan Secretary of Health and Human Services A White House Representative Mr. David Kearns, CRO Xerox Corporation I. King Jordan, President Gallaudet University Woman with a physical disability The Honorable James Watkins Secretary of Energy Representatives of Local Government Mr. Akers, CEO IBM President of AT&T Representatives of Small Business Fay Vincent Commissioner of Baseball [Page 2] ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION ON THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The Commission could be established in one of two ways, either by executive order of the President or by a law passed by Congress. There is precedent for both types of Commissions. The Presidential Commission on the HIV Epidemic (chaired by Admiral James Watkins, ret.) was established by an executive order issued by President Regan. The National Commission on Children (chaired by Sen. Rockefeller) was initiated by Congress and established by law. The Commission should be made up of approximately 24 members. If the Commission was established by executive order, the President would appoint all commissioners. If the Commission was established by law, one third should be appointed by the President, one third appointed by the Senate and one third appointed by the House. Of the House and Senate appointee, half should be appointed by the majority leadership and half by the Minority leadership. All appointments should be made in consultation with the National Council on Disability. In addition to persons with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities, the Commission should include representatives from labor and management of a range of businesses, such as the hotel and restaurant industry, sports complexes, the communications industry, the transportation industry, physicians and medical facilities, state and local governments, college and universities and the media. The Commission should be established as soon as soon as possible after the enactment ADA. Commission members should be appointed promptly. The Commission should be fully operational within 90 days of the enactment of ADA. The Commission will meet at least four times a year and conduct site visits and hearings. The Commission will function for two years, with an option for renewal a the end of the two year period. The Commission shall issue an initial report six months after it is established and again in one year. The final report of the Commission will be issued two years after its establishment. The recommended appropriation level for the Commission of $2 million one year. These funds would be used to compensate Commission members at a daily rate specified for a GS18 of the General Schedule, for travel and meeting expenses, for general operations and for a small staff. Staff should be comprised of an executive director, six to eight professional staff and the necessary support staff. [Page 3] Dr. James Billington Librarian of Congress Library of Congress Washington, D.C. 20540 July [illegible], 1990 Dear Dr. Billington: The Americans with Disabilities Act, the most important piece of civil rights legislation in the past 25 years, has just passed the U.S. Congress after years of complex and difficult study and negotiations in which I have been deeply involved. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the contribution made by one of your staff, Nancy Lee Jones of the Americans Law Division, Congressional Research Service. My staff and I have made extensive use of Ms. Jones’ expertise in the area of disability law during all aspects of this process. In addition to extensive consultations with my staff, she prepared a scholarly analysis of the major legal issues presented by the Act for our use prior to Senate debate on the bill. Ms. Jones helped prepare my statement when I testified at hearing on the ADA on May 10, 1989, and was preset with me at the hearing. Her work was often performed under very tight deadlines. It was a great help to me to have this impartial and unbiased expertise available during the course of this legislation. Ms. Jones has helped significantly in the enactment of the ADA and you are to be commended for having her on your staff. Sincerely, [Page 4]