Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Recognizing the need to improve physical access to many federally funded facilities for all people of the United States, particularly people with disabilities.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 45 acknowledges the necessity of enhancing physical accessibility to federally funded facilities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities. It references the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, emphasizing the importance of equal access. The resolution encourages the adoption of universal and inclusive design principles in future infrastructure projects.

Expected Effects

This resolution is largely symbolic, reaffirming existing commitments to accessibility. It may lead to increased awareness and potentially influence future legislation related to infrastructure and accessibility standards. The resolution also encourages full compliance with existing laws, which could result in more rigorous enforcement.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased accessibility for people with disabilities.
  • Potential for improved quality of life for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
  • Reinforcement of existing legislation promoting accessibility.
  • Promotion of universal and inclusive design principles.
  • Potential reduction in unemployment rates for people with disabilities.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution itself does not allocate funding or create new mandates, so its direct impact may be limited.
  • Compliance with accessibility standards may impose costs on federally funded facilities.
  • The resolution's effectiveness depends on future actions and enforcement by relevant agencies.
  • Potential delays in infrastructure projects due to the incorporation of universal design principles.
  • No direct disadvantages are apparent, but the lack of concrete action could lead to disillusionment if not followed up with tangible measures.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the principles of equality and freedom, which are foundational to the US Constitution. It also references the First Amendment, emphasizing the right to peaceably assemble, which is indirectly supported by ensuring accessibility to public spaces. The resolution's focus on accessibility for people with disabilities can be seen as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).