A concurrent resolution recognizing the need to improve physical access to many federally funded facilities for all people of the United States, particularly people with disabilities.
This bill is a concurrent resolution in the 119th Congress recognizing and urging improvements to physical accessibility at federally funded facilities, with a particular focus on people with disabilities. It does not itself create new law or authorize spending; rather, it expresses the sense of Congress and sets policy direction. The resolution reaffirms support for the Architectural Barriers Act (Public Law 90-480) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and commits to making universal and inclusive design a guiding principle for all infrastructure bills and projects. It references existing accessibility guidelines from the U.S. Access Board and Department of Transportation, and notes that these guidelines are or will become enforceable standards under the ADA once adopted by the Department of Justice. In short, the bill signals a strong political and policy preference for accessible, inclusive design in federal infrastructure and federally funded facilities.
Key Points
- 1Acknowledges that people with disabilities face daily barriers to access in federally funded facilities and that improving access is a priority.
- 2Reaffirms support for the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and urges full compliance with those laws.
- 3Pledges to make universal and inclusive design a guiding principle for all infrastructure bills and projects, with ongoing efforts to identify and remove barriers to access to federal government services.
- 4Cites specific accessibility guidance:
- 5- US Access Board guidelines on pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way (e.g., crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, signals, parking).
- 6- Department of Transportation guidelines adopted in 2024, making newly constructed/altered transit stops subject to these guidelines from 2025 onward.
- 7- Notes that once Department of Justice adopts these guidelines, they will become enforceable standards under Title II of the ADA.
- 8Framed within a broader context of equal rights and equal opportunity to access federally funded amenities, tying accessibility to constitutional protections and democratic participation.