Last month, House Concurrent Resolution 235 (HCONRES 235) had been reported out of committee. This is a bill that expresses the sense of Congress that candidates for drivers licenses be required to demonstrate an ability to exercise increased caution when driving in the proximity of a potentially visually pedestrian who uses a white cane or a guide dog.
This bill has been introduced and championed by Rep. Lane Evan (D-Ill.) from the 17th district. In 2004 ACB (in conjunction with AAPD) was pleased to honor Rep. Evans with an award at the Democratic National Convention in Boston for his leadership efforts on behalf of people with disabilities. At this year's ACB legislative Seminar in February we honored his work by presenting him with the award at his Capitol Hill office.
Recently, Rep. Evans announced his retirement after 24 years in congress due to declining health. This is a tough day for me," the Evans said in a statement, adding that he has "come to recognize that the time needed to address my health makes it difficult to wage a campaign and carry out my work as representative. This decision is especially tough. I believe strongly in serving people and working to make a positive difference in their lives."
As a tribute to his work and advocacy over the years on behalf of the blind community and to his steadfast support of disabled veterans and to the programs and services that support vets - we want to reignite our efforts to get these legislative initiatives (H. Con. Res. 235 and S. Res. 71) passed in both the House and Senate! H. Con. Res 235 currently has 22 co-sponsors. We need more support from more House members in order for it to be considered on the House floor.
On the Senate side, the legislation has farther to go due to the fact that it has not been reported out of committee yet and only has 5 co-sponsors. The Senate bill, S. Res. 71, was introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI). If we could get even ten Senate members to get on board, they could waive the rules, vote, and send it to the Senate floor in May.
In addition to asking our own legislators to co-sponsor this legislation, we want to ask the Committee Chairs and Ranking Members to bring the bills up under unanimous consent and send them to the floor. The House Transportation Committee Chair is Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and the ranking minority member is Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN). The Senate Committee Chair is Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). And the ranking minority member (who sponsored the Senate bill) is Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI).
For those of you from Mississippi, according to discussions with Senate Transportation Committee staff, it is imperative to get Senator Lott to sign on for this bill to see any movement. Although, he has been approached a number of times on this issue, he has yet to sign on to S. Res. 71.
You can contact the Representatives through the House switchboard at 202-225-3121.
You can contact the Senators through the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Day Al-Mohamed
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th St. NW
Washington DC 20005
Tel. 202-467-5081
dalmohamed@acb.org