RELEASE: REPS. KHANNA, CHABOT, TITUS, FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL RECOGNIZING THE DIGNITY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE
Bill Text of Dignity for People with Disabilities in the Foreign Service Act (PDF)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Steve Chabot (OH-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced bipartisan legislation to replace the outdated term "handicapping condition" with "disability" in the Foreign Service Act of 1980, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities serving in the Foreign Service
People with disabilities are often damaged by negative, misleading, and inadequate labels that imply a focus on inherent inabilities, rather than a focus on the person behind that disability. By amending this legislation and using the term "disability" rather than "handicapping condition," Congress will bring the terminology used in the Foreign Service Act of 1980 into conformity with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws. This message of inclusion signals respect for Foreign Service Officers and other State Department employees with disabilities as they serve our country, often at great sacrifice, in posts around the world.
"Words matter. That's why Congress has already replaced the misleading term ‘handicapped' with ‘disability,' in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws, which has been advocated for by people with disabilities," said Rep. Khanna. "It is past time that Foreign Service Officers with disabilities are shown that same respect, as they serve our country, often at great personal risk and sacrifice, around the world."
"Disability inclusion is essential to creating more just and welcoming communities. Replacing the word ‘handicap' with ‘disability' in the Foreign Service Act sends a strong message to members of our own agency, those we serve, and those with whom we work around the world that inclusivity is a priority. We must lead by example. Ensuring everyone is guaranteed access to the same rights and opportunities is a fundamental aspect of our democracy," said Rep. Titus.
"I have long supported good governance initiatives that include making sure the law uses appropriate terminology. That is why I've joined Congressman Khanna on this important legislation to update the Foreign Service Act to reflect modern terminology in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This legislation will build on the 21st Century Respect Act that Congressman Jefferies and I introduced last Congress. Americans deserve to have the government refer to them in a respectful manner, and this legislation will help to do just that." said Rep. Chabot.
"Our Foreign Service members serve the United States with dignity and put the needs of their country above their own," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "It is imperative that we update the Foreign Service Act to correct the outdated language. Adjusting the act by removing the term ‘handicapping condition' to reflect today's terminology is just one of the ways we can pay our respects to those who serve our country, and I encourage my fellow members of Congress to support this bipartisan effort."
The lead sponsor of this legislation is Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) and original cosponsors include Reps. Steve Chabot (OH-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Andy Levin (MI-09), Maria Salazar (FL-27), and Gerry Connolly (VA-11).
The Dignity for People with Disabilities in the Foreign Service Act is endorsed by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD)