A concurrent resolution recognizing the need to improve physical access to many federally funded facilities for all people of the United States, particularly people with disabilities.
- Bill Number
- S.Con.Res. 19
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4627)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:42:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 19) aims to highlight the ongoing barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing federally funded facilities and public spaces. It reaffirms the importance of existing laws promoting accessibility and commits Congress to prioritizing inclusive design in future infrastructure projects, drawing on constitutional principles of equality and the right to assemble.
Key Provisions
The resolution consists of a series of "Whereas" clauses providing factual background and context, followed by three main resolved statements:
- Recognition of barriers: Acknowledges that people with disabilities encounter daily obstacles to physical access in public and federally funded spaces.
- Reaffirmation of existing laws: Expresses continued support for the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (a law requiring federally funded buildings to be accessible to people with disabilities) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (a comprehensive civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities). It encourages full compliance with these laws.
- Commitment to inclusive design: Pledges to incorporate universal and inclusive design (features that make spaces usable by all people, regardless of ability) as a core principle in all federal infrastructure legislation and projects, with a focus on removing barriers to federal services.
The resolution references recent data, such as the high prevalence of disabilities (affecting 1 in 4 U.S. adults), elevated rates among veterans and people of color, and unemployment disparities. It also notes advancements like the U.S. Access Board's 2023 guidelines on pedestrian facilities (e.g., curb ramps, crosswalks, and signals for safe access), which were adopted by the Department of Transportation in 2024 and will become enforceable under the ADA once approved by the Department of Justice.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding concurrent resolution, meaning it expresses Congress's sense or opinion but does not create new laws, amend statutes, or impose enforceable requirements. It does not introduce changes to existing law but instead reinforces and builds on prior legislation like the Architectural Barriers Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Federal agencies involved in funding, designing, or constructing public infrastructure (e.g., Department of Transportation, Department of Justice, and U.S. Access Board) may face increased pressure to prioritize accessibility in projects, potentially influencing budgeting and planning for new builds or renovations starting in 2025.
- On citizens: People with disabilities, including the 70 million+ U.S. adults affected, veterans (5.5 million with service-connected disabilities), and an aging population, could benefit from improved access to sidewalks, transit stops, parking, and facilities, enhancing participation in public life, employment, and community activities.
- On international relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. policy and facilities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- People with disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, including those with mobility, visual, or other impairments, who face higher unemployment and exclusion from public spaces.
- Veterans and marginalized groups: Veterans with service-connected disabilities and people of color (who have the highest disability rates) stand to gain from better access.
- Federal government entities: Agencies like the Departments of Transportation and Justice, and the U.S. Access Board, responsible for implementing accessibility guidelines.
- Congress and infrastructure planners: Lawmakers and project designers in federally funded initiatives, encouraged to adopt inclusive practices.
- General public: All citizens, as improved designs promote safer, more equitable public spaces aligned with constitutional rights to assembly and equality.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal implications: Strengthens the framework of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act by promoting their guidelines (e.g., the 2023 pedestrian access rules), which could lead to voluntary enhancements in compliance without new mandates. Once DOJ adopts the guidelines, they become enforceable standards for public entities under ADA Title II (covering state and local governments).
- Constitutional implications: Links accessibility to the First Amendment's protections for free assembly and petitioning government, emphasizing that equal access is essential for all citizens to exercise these rights, regardless of disability. It underscores the U.S. founding principles of equality in the Bill of Rights.
- Political implications: Sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators (though primarily Democrats), it signals congressional intent to address disability rights amid demographic shifts like aging and medical advances increasing disability prevalence. As a resolution, it serves as a symbolic call to action, potentially influencing future binding legislation on infrastructure without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4627)
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the need to improve physical access to many federally funded facilities for all people of the United States, particularly people with disabilities. — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (4 pages)