CONGRESSWOMAN BETTY McCOLLUM INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH RESOLUTION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D, MN-04), along with Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson (R, PA-15), re-introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. This resolution highlights the importance of inclusion and increased accessibility for the disability community. The introduction of this resolution coincides with the 35^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, and serves as a reminder of the many accomplishments and contributions Americans with disabilities make to our country.

"Every July, we celebrate the resilience, talent, and leadership of Americans with disabilities," said Congresswoman McCollum. "Yet the federal government still hasn't formally recognized Disability Pride Month. This resolution is a reminder that recognition matters - and that we still have work to do to break down barriers, expand accessibility, and ensure disability rights are fully realized in law and in practice."

This resolution was inspired by the advocacy of Gillette Children's Hospital of Saint Paul, Minnesota and twenty national and state organizations, and was originally introduced by Congresswoman McCollum in 2022.

"Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, is an opportunity for us to celebrate the amazing contributions of individuals living with disabilities," Rep. Thompson said. "Prior to serving in Congress, I spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator. I know firsthand the positive impacts those living with disabilities have in their communities, and I am proud to champion their accomplishments."

The resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Henry C. "Hank" Johnson Jr. (D-GA), Rep. Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Christian D. Menefee (D-TX), Rep. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

Read the text of the resolution here.