Letter Supporting H.R. 3195, the “ADA Amendments Act”

June 24, 2008

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, urges you to support H.R. 3195, the “ADA Amendments Act,” as reported by the House Education and Labor and Judiciary committees.

When first introduced, the Chamber had significant concerns with H.R. 3195, previously titled the “ADA Restoration Act.” However, over the last several months the Chamber, along with others in the business community, engaged in extensive discussions with organizations representing the disability community and reached a compromise, which is embodied in the Committee-reported bill. The compromise legislation would overturn recent Supreme Court cases that have led to an unduly narrow interpretation of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) and would significantly clarify the Act’s coverage. H.R. 3195 preserves the ADA’s basic framework, which should make compliance and implementation comparatively easier for employers.

Reaching this compromise was not easy. The Chamber believes that H.R. 3195 represents a balanced approach to ensure appropriate coverage under the ADA and urges you to support the bill without further amendments.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten