Press Release
Posted:
St. Helena – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that he and Reps. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) introduced dual resolutions calling on legislative branch entities to increase purchases of goods and services from the procurement list maintained by the AbilityOne Commission.
Established by the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (JWOD), the AbilityOne Commission maintains a list of products and services provided by Americans with disabilities available for government purchase. AbilityOne vendors employ many individuals living with blindness and a growing number of returning veterans.
“The AbilityOne Program is one of the largest sources of employment in the United States for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, including disabled veterans," said Rep. Thompson. "It just makes sense to ensure Congress continues supporting AbilityOne’s vendors whenever and wherever possible. Thank you to my colleagues, Reps. Crockett, Molinaro, and Loudermilk for helping lead this initiative."
"In 1971, Congress established the AbilityOne Program in its current form. But 53 years later, this very same body is falling behind on fulfilling the promise it made all those years ago," said Rep. Crockett. "As members of the People's House, we have a responsibility and a duty to honor that promise and support employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities. By requiring each legislative entity to take concerted, ongoing steps to increase engagement with AbilityOne, we ensure that this vital program receives the attention it is due, so that roadblocks do not fester, and Congress can redouble its commitment to Americans with disabilities. I'm grateful to Reps. Molinaro, Thompson, and Loudermilk for joining me in leading these bipartisan resolutions to push the House and Senate in the right direction."
"The percentage of the disability community not working is still at nearly 80%. In order for the AbilityOne Program to reach its full potential, every legislative office must understand its resources," said Rep. Molinaro. "I'm proud to lead the bipartisan push to support the use of AbilityOne in Congress. It's vital to understand and participate in the program to ensure individuals of every ability have the opportunity to succeed."
“As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I understand the critical importance of keeping our commitment to those who serve. Congress has the responsibility to help support employment opportunities for Americans with significant disabilities, including our nation’s heroes," said Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11). "Ensuring all federal agencies and congressional offices purchase and utilize AbilityOne products and services is a critical step in helping disabled Americans enjoy full participation in our economy and our communities."
“SourceAmerica supports these resolutions that will increase the awareness and utilization of the AbilityOne Program in Congress and throughout the Legislative Branch Agencies," said Richard Belden, President & CEO of SourceAmerica. "Through the program nearly 36,000 individuals with disabilities are employed providing critical products and services to the federal government. Ensuring that the Legislative Branch is more aware of the program and provided opportunities to participate will help create more jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities.”
The first of the two resolutions, which pertains exclusively to legislative entities entirely within the House of Representatives (e.g. the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer) would only need to be passed by the House to take effect. If passed, it would apply beginning in the 119th Congress. The second, a concurrent resolution, would need to be passed by both the House and Senate as it affects legislative entities that serve both Chambers.