OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Thinkdifferently About Disability Employment Act

Floor Speech

Date: June 3, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I thank both my Republican and Democrat colleagues for their kind words. They are both spot on, and I couldn't be more proud to stand here and support this bill.

I rise today in strong support of my bill, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act.

I want to begin by thanking my colleagues from California, Missouri, and New Hampshire, Representatives Simon, Alford, and Pappas, for their support of this important legislation.

As a father to a young man with Down syndrome, I have seen firsthand just how much untapped talent exists within the disability community. Unfortunately, outdated systems and perceptions still keep far too many of these individuals on the sidelines in our economy.

That is just unfair, and it is a missed opportunity for American growth and innovation, and deprives our economy of their incredible contributions.

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act takes a critical step towards breaking down these barriers. This bill directs the Small Business Administration and the National Council on Disability to collaborate in providing resources and assistance to individuals with disabilities who want to start their own business or find meaningful employment, and it also ensures that small businesses have the guidance they need to hire and support employees with disabilities.

Through this bill, we are ensuring that individuals with disabilities can turn their ambitions into reality, whether that means starting a company or securing meaningful work. At the same time, we are helping small businesses tap into a skilled and motivated workforce by offering them the guidance to do so confidently.

Individuals with disabilities should not be overlooked. They should be empowered.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so that every American, regardless of their ability, has the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and thrive in this great Nation.

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