Remarks of LeAnne Wilson
NAM Chief Operating Officer
ADA Amendments News Conference on Capitol Hill
With Members of Congress, Disability and Business Communities
Sept. 17, 2008

The National Association of Manufacturers is proud to have helped shape this landmark legislation that represents a true collaboration between the employer and disability communities.

Just as importantly, we have shown there is a path for non-traditional allies to come together in today’s political environment to craft legislation to meet the workforce needs of America’s employers.

As a result of our collaborative efforts, all parties recognized that we are working towards the same goal -- to secure the promise of the ADA. Once this goal was established, we worked to carefully craft language to strike just the right balance between the needs of employers and the needs of those with disabilities.

No one intended for the original ADA law to exclude qualified individuals who want to work from receiving appropriate protections.

Restoring the original intent of the ADA is the right thing to do.

And with an eye to doing what is right, the shared goals of both groups prevailed and, as a result, we have a bill that has wide support from employers, the disability community and many Members of Congress – both Democrats and Republicans.

The NAM and other members of the Employer and Disability Alliance appreciate the efforts of many in Congress who have worked hard on this important bill. Particularly we thank Majority Leader Hoyer, Congressman Sensenbrenner, Senator Harkin and Senator Hatch for your outstanding leadership on this important bill.

The way this bill was developed is indeed a guide for how we should shape legislation moving forward.

We’ve come a long way in our country. Today those with disabilities are given the opportunity to be productive members of our workforce.

The NAM and the others in the business community look forward to working with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to continue to address America’s workforce needs.