Recognizing the 75th anniversary of The Arc of the United States, a leading organization promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 875
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-19T13:04:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 875) aims to formally recognize the 75th anniversary of The Arc of the United States, an organization founded in 1950 to promote and protect the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (conditions that affect cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviors from early childhood). It honors the group's history of advocacy for inclusion, community participation, and equal opportunities for individuals with these disabilities throughout their lives.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: The resolution outlines The Arc's origins in 1950, when parents and supporters founded it to keep children with disabilities at home rather than in institutions. It evolved to support adults with disabilities and expanded its mission to ensure community inclusion.
- Landmark Achievements: It highlights The Arc's role in key events, such as the 1971 federal court case PARC v. Pennsylvania, which secured free public education for children with disabilities and influenced the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA—a law ensuring educational rights for students with disabilities). The Arc also advocated against institutional abuses, for social security benefits, against harmful medical research on disabled individuals, and for awareness of fetal alcohol syndrome risks.
- Organizational Reach: Today, The Arc has nearly 600 chapters in 47 states and partners with governments, foundations, corporations, and service providers to deliver or connect people to education, employment, caregiving, and aging services.
- Legislative Advocacy: The resolution credits The Arc with helping pass major laws, including:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for income support to disabled individuals.
- "Baby Doe" amendments to protect disabled infants from medical discrimination.
- Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (to address abuses in facilities).
- Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (to fund services and rights).
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA—a comprehensive civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities).
- Expansions in Medicaid for health care, long-term supports, and home/community-based services to replace institutions.
- Litigation and Partnerships: It notes The Arc's leadership in lawsuits advancing rights to education, deinstitutionalization (closing large institutions), housing, medical care without discrimination, and other services.
- Recognition Clause: The House of Representatives resolves to honor The Arc's 75 years of contributions to rights, dignity, and inclusion for people with disabilities, and commends its ongoing work with families, advocates, and policymakers to build inclusive communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a congressional resolution, not a bill that amends or creates laws. It introduces no changes to existing statutes; it serves as a symbolic statement of recognition and support.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of disability rights and The Arc's role, potentially encouraging greater community inclusion and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It has no direct enforceable effects but could inspire voluntary actions by individuals or organizations.
- On Government Agencies: May signal bipartisan congressional support for disability advocacy, influencing future policy discussions or funding priorities in areas like education (e.g., IDEA) and health services (e.g., Medicaid). No operational changes for agencies.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as it focuses on domestic U.S. advocacy and history.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution underscores their rights to inclusion, education, and community living.
- Families and Advocates: Recognizes the foundational role of parents and supporters in The Arc's work.
- The Arc of the United States and Its Chapters: Directly honors the organization, potentially boosting its visibility, funding, and partnerships.
- Policymakers and Government Entities: Encourages continued collaboration on disability issues at local, state, and federal levels.
- Service Providers and Broader Community: Highlights partnerships that provide education, employment, and caregiving, indirectly affecting these sectors.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the importance of existing laws like the ADA and IDEA without altering them; it may indirectly support ongoing litigation by affirming advocacy efforts.
- Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles under the 14th Amendment by promoting non-discrimination and inclusion, but as a non-binding resolution, it carries no legal weight.
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party support (introduced by bipartisan sponsors) for disability rights, potentially fostering goodwill and momentum for future legislation. It underscores the evolution of U.S. policy from institutionalization to community-based supports, reflecting broader societal shifts toward civil rights.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-11-12: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-12: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 75th anniversary of The Arc of the United States, a leading organization promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. — issued 2025-11-12 — PDF (4 pages)