September 5, 2018

Today Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 4969, the Embassy Security Authorization Act, and H.R. 5274, the Global Electoral Exchange Act. Both measures contained provisions authored by Rep. Titus to reinforce and support equitable access for people with disabilities at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and in elections around the world, respectively. 

“Inclusion of persons with disabilities is a fundamental part of democracy,” said Titus, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “As we work to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities, like strengthening democratic electoral processes and improving U.S. embassy and consulate security, as these bills do, inclusion and access for persons with disabilities should be part of our efforts. More than one billion people around the world have a disability, and we must continue to work to promote their human rights and inclusion in society, both at home and around the globe. I am glad the House passed these bills with my language so we can signal to the world the American commitment to those with disabilities.” 

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The Titus provision in H.R. 4969 reinforces the importance of accessibility for persons with disabilities at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

The Titus provision in H.R. 5274 ensures that best practices shared through a newly created State Department exchange program on election procedures will also include those related to access to polling places, voter education information, and voting mechanisms for persons with disabilities.