A resolution recognizing the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling for further action to strengthen and expand health care for individuals with disabilities to work and live in the community.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 338
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-24: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4704-4705)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T16:35:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 338) commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a landmark law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and promotes their equal participation in society. It highlights the ADA's role in enabling independent living and economic self-sufficiency while urging further steps to expand health care access, reduce institutional segregation, and support community integration for individuals with disabilities.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a preamble outlining historical context, ongoing challenges (such as Medicaid biases favoring institutions over community services), and disparities faced by people with disabilities, including those affected by COVID-19, natural disasters, and racial inequities. The core "Resolved" section contains 11 non-binding directives for the Senate and federal agencies:
- Recognizes the ADA's achievements in promoting independent living, equal opportunity, and economic self-sufficiency.
- Encourages nationwide celebration of the ADA's progress in inclusion and equality.
- Pledges bipartisan efforts to address barriers, especially for those still in segregated institutions.
- Commits to partnering with states to boost funding and access to home- and community-based services (HCBS), emphasizing employment opportunities.
- Warns against Medicaid cuts or new barriers (e.g., work-reporting requirements) that could harm health and reverse ADA gains.
- Urges the Department of Labor to create policies and technical assistance for more competitive integrated employment (jobs in mainstream settings at fair wages) for people with disabilities.
- Calls on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure equitable access to communication technologies and provide related resources.
- Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fully support the Administration for Community Living with staffing and assistance for HCBS.
- Requests the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand accessible housing options and inclusive communities.
- Asks the Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve accessible transit, airports, and hiring of people with disabilities.
- Instructs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance inclusivity in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a resolution, not a bill, so it introduces no enforceable changes to laws like the ADA or Medicaid (under the Social Security Act). It serves as a symbolic statement to reaffirm existing commitments and guide future policy without creating new legal obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Could increase awareness and advocacy for better access to Medicaid-funded HCBS, employment, housing, and emergency support, potentially reducing institutionalization and improving quality of life for over one-third of disabled individuals who rely on Medicaid. It highlights risks from program cuts, which might affect health and independence.
- On government agencies: Encourages proactive steps from HHS, Labor, FCC, HUD, DOT, and FEMA, possibly leading to improved technical assistance, staffing, and policies without mandating budget changes. States may face indirect pressure to prioritize community services over institutions.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, including those in institutions, people of color facing compounded barriers, Long COVID patients, and those vulnerable in disasters; aims to enhance their community participation, employment, and health care.
- Families and communities: Supports broader inclusion in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
- Government entities: Federal agencies (e.g., HHS, DOL) and states managing Medicaid and services; bipartisan Senate involvement signals cross-party collaboration.
- Advocacy groups and providers: Organizations focused on disability rights may use this to push for funding and reforms.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the ADA as a foundational civil rights law and echoes the Supreme Court's Olmstead v. L.C. (1999) ruling, which interpreted the ADA to require community-based services over unnecessary institutionalization when feasible—emphasizing this as an ongoing obligation under federal law.
- Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection (14th Amendment) by addressing discrimination and segregation, promoting dignity and autonomy without creating new rights.
- Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group of senators (primarily Democrats), it pledges cross-aisle work, potentially fostering unity on disability issues amid debates over Medicaid funding and work requirements; as a resolution, it has no binding force but could influence appropriations or future legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (24)
Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-24: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4704-4705)
- 2025-07-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling for further action to strengthen and expand health care for individuals with disabilities to work and live in the community. — issued 2025-07-24 — PDF (6 pages)