Dingell, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Honoring 27th Anniversary of Landmark Court Decision Supporting Americans with Disabilities

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), and Tom Kean (R-NJ-07), introduced a bipartisan resolution marking the 27th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Olmstead v. L.C., which recognized the unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities as discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and to reaffirm the right of people with disabilities to live in their homes and communities.

"It is essential that people with disabilities continue to have the right to live, work, and thrive in their own communities with dignity." said Congresswoman Dingell. "This bipartisan resolution reaffirms that we will not allow hard won progress to be rolled back, and that we will continue to protect and support the rights enshrined by the Olmstead decision for every person whose lives it has changed for the better."

"Although the Olmstead decision was issued more than twenty-five years ago, its significance remains just as strong today. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution, reaffirming our commitment to ending discrimination based on disability," said Congressman Kean.

"For 27 years, the Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead v. L.C. has informed the advancement of policies to empower individuals with disabilities to live and work independently in our communities," said Congresswoman Scanlon. "Recent attempts to undermine the Olmstead integration mandate and roll back those policies raises new opportunities for discrimination against our friends and neighbors with disabilities, and harms the larger community. I'm proud to join my House colleagues in recognizing Olmstead's anniversary and recommitting ourselves to protecting community integration for the good of all."

"Olmstead affirmed a fundamental principle: every American deserves the freedom and opportunity to build a full life in the community they call home. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, that principle has always been at the heart of my work to break down barriers, strengthen independence, and ensure all Americans with disabilities have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Twenty-seven years later, our responsibility is not simply to recognize the progress Olmstead made possible, but to protect it, build upon it, and ensure that progress is never reversed," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

"The Supreme Court made clear in Olmstead v. L.C. that Americans with disabilities have the right to live in the most integrated setting possible, rather than being unnecessarily institutionalized. That is why earlier this year I wrote to the DOJ urging it to uphold this longstanding precedent and enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am proud to co-lead this legislation commemorating the 27th anniversary of this landmark decision and reaffirming the importance of ensuring individuals with disabilities can continue to live where they choose, alongside their friends, family, and the communities where they grew up," said Congressman Lawler.

The resolution is endorsed by the Caring Across Generations, United Spinal, ANCOR, Autism Self Advocacy Network, National Council on Independent Living, American Association of People with Disabilities, and the National Disability Rights Network.

This resolution follows an August 2026 effort led by Congresswomen Dingell and Scanlon condemning a Department of Justice (DOJ) legal opinion that was issued in June 2026 regarding Olmstead v. L.C. While the legal opinion does not overturn the decision, it threatens enforcement of the rights afforded by the Court's decision under a hostile DOJ that has failed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

A copy of the resolution can be found HERE.