May 19, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E751 know my colleagues in the United States within 120 days, rather than waiting for lengthy THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR House of Representatives join me in congratu- legal battles to play out, is a more thoughtful, TECHNICAL COLLEGES lating them on this momentous occasion. timely, and reasonable approach. f While the ADA is a national law, California has become ground zero for ADA violation HON. JOE WILSON IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 241, THE lawsuits. In fact, California is home to more OF SOUTH CAROLINA ACCESS ACT federal disability lawsuits than the next four states combined. A 2014 report determined IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. KEN CALVERT that since 2005, more than 10,000 federal Thursday, May 19, 2016 OF CALIFORNIA ADA lawsuits had been filed in the five states IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the highest disabled populations; 7,188 of Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- Thursday, May 19, 2016 which were filed in California. Violating the er, yesterday, the Committee on Education ADA in California carries a minimum $4,000 and the Workforce, under the leadership of Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased penalty in addition to the plaintiffs legal fees. Chairman JOHN KLINE held a hearing on the to have had the opportunity to testify today at As of 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bu- the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, Sub- reau, 31 individuals made up at least 56 per- importance of reauthorizing the Carl D. Per- committee on Constitution and Civil Justice cent of federal disability lawsuits in California. kins Career and Technical Education Act. Hearing, ‘‘Examining Legislation to Promote As was mentioned during the second panel of This Act provides individuals with the nec- the Effective Enforcement of the ADA’s Public today’s hearing, California has 12 percent of essary academic and technical tools to suc- Accommodation Provisions.’’ the nation’s disabled population, but accounts ceed in this skills-based jobs market. We As you know, the Americans with Disabil- for over 40 percent of ADA lawsuits. Those should support our career and technical col- ities Act is undoubtedly one of the most impor- figures and the real life toll it takes on small leges that improve the lives of many hard- tant pieces of civil rights legislation. We can all business owners, are why I introduced this working Americans. agree that providing all Americans with access legislation to allow for a ‘‘fix-it’’ period. to public accommodations is an invaluable leg- However, it is clear that this is not just a In South Carolina, we have sixteen remark- islative objective. major problem in California. The introduction, able technical colleges that have been suc- The purpose of the ADA is to ensure access in November 2015, of similar legislation by the cessful in helping to create jobs throughout for the disabled to public accommodation and gentleman from Texas, Representative TED the state and particularly the Second Congres- provide appropriate remedial action for those POE, shows just that. His legislation authorizes sional District. Apprenticeship Carolina has who have suffered harm as a result of non- a training and education component for the af- been successful in creating more than 15,000 compliance. Although there are times when fected community and Certified Access Spe- apprentices to date, partnering with busi- litigation by harmed individuals is necessary, cialists, which I would welcome and embrace nesses such as Michelin and Continental. there are an increasing number of lawsuits as an amendment to my bill. Thank you to their Director Brad Neese and brought under the ADA that are based upon a This is also a bipartisan issue supported by the South Carolina technical college presi- desire to achieve financial settlements rather states. I was pleased to see that California SB dents. A special congratulations to Dr. Forest than to achieve the appropriate modifications 269 passed unanimously in the State Assem- Mahan, who was selected to be the fifth presi- for access. These lawsuits filed by serial liti- bly and Senate, and was signed into law by dent of Aiken Technical College on Monday. gants, often referred to as ‘‘drive-by lawsuits,’’ Governor Jerry Brown on May 10th, 2016. SB Godspeed President Susan Winsor. place exorbitant legal fees on small busi- 269 was authored by a friend of mine, Demo- nesses, and often times business owners are cratic State Senator, Gen. Richard Roth. The In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and unaware of the specific nature of the allega- legislation is similar to the ACCESS Act in that may the President by his actions never forget tions brought against them. it allows businesses to take immediate steps September 11th in the Global War on Ter- In early 2011, frivolous ADA lawsuits to become accessible by providing them with rorism. against small businesses reached an all-time 120 days, from receipt of a Certified Access high throughout California, and as a result, my Specialist report, to resolve any identified vio- f good friend and colleague, former Congress- lations without being subject to litigation costs man Dan Lungren (R–CA), championed the or statutory penalties. I worry that with Cali- TRIBUTE TO THE SUNSHINE CLUB issue and introduced the original ACCESS Act fornia acting to curb these lawsuits, some of (H.R. 3356) in the 112th Congress. I was these serial litigants will try their trade in other pleased to have been afforded the opportunity states. HON. DAVID YOUNG to take over the legislation for reintroduction Without question, the ACCESS Act will en- OF IOWA beginning in the 113th Congress. In January sure that the ADA is used for its true purpose 2015, I reintroduced the legislation as H.R. of guaranteed accessibility to public accom- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 241, the ACCESS Act (ADA Compliance for modations for all Americans while eliminating Customer Entry to Stores and Services). abusive, costly and unnecessary lawsuits for Thursday, May 19, 2016 H.R. 241 is a cost-free and commonsense small business owners. Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise piece of legislation that would alleviate the fi- It is more important than ever that the today to recognize the Sunshine Club for their nancial burden small businesses are facing, House of Representatives act to move this 61st year of fellowship, service and support in while still fulfilling the purpose of the ADA. Any vital piece of legislation. central Iowa. person aggrieved by a violation of the ADA f would provide the owner or operator with a The Sunshine Club was founded in 1955 by PERSONAL EXPLANATION written notice of the violation, specific enough three residents of the Morrisburg area, south to allow such owner or operator to identify the of Panora, Iowa. The club’s membership today barrier to their access. Within 60 days the HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN has 22 members of various ages who reside owner or operator would be required to pro- OF NEW JERSEY in the areas of Panora, Stuart, Menlo, Dexter, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vide the aggrieved person with a description Redfield and Casey. Its threefold purpose of outlining improvements that would be made to Thursday, May 19, 2016 service to their community, socializing and en- address the barrier. The owner or operator Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, on joying life is what brings them together. Club would then have 120 days to make the im- Monday May 16, my return to Washington, members now say that faith, friendship and provement. The failure to meet any of these D.C. was unavoidably delayed. As a result, I food has kept the group together this long. conditions would allow the lawsuit to go for- missed two recorded votes. ward. On Roll Call Vote Number 194, H.R. 4743— Mr. Speaker, I commend the Sunshine Club I think we can all agree that we must ensure National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consor- for making their communities in central Iowa a that individuals with disabilities are afforded tium Act; better place to live by their acts of service. I the same access and opportunities as those On Roll Call Vote Number 195, H.R. 4407— ask that my colleagues in the United States without disabilities. Frivolous lawsuits do not Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act; House of Representatives join me in congratu- accomplish this goal. Allowing small business Had I been present, I would have voted lating the Sunshine Club and wishing them owners and cities alike to fix ADA violations Yes. nothing but continued success.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 May 20, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19MY8.019 E19MYPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 19, 2016 HONORING JENNY KAYLIN A second bus traveled to Birmingham, Ala- Black Heritage Council. A special thanks to HUNZICKER ON BEING ACCEPTED bama. Those Freedom Riders were also met historian Dr. J. Mills Thornton who played a BY THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF by angry mobs and were savagely beaten, pivotal role in the creation of the Museum. FUTURE PHYSICIANS AND MED- some by metal pipes. The Birmingham Public The Freedom Riders are quintessential ex- ICAL SCIENTISTS AS A DELE- Safety Commissioner at the time stated that amples of how change can happen when we GATE TO THE CONGRESS OF FU- he knew the Freedom Riders would be met work together and fearlessly stand for what is TURE MEDICAL LEADERS with violence but posted no police protection right. I give us all the charge to—like the Free- because it was a holiday—Mother’s Day. dom Riders, continue to battle against inequal- HON. BILLY LONG On May 20, 1961, it was the Montgomery, ity and stand strong by our great nation’s prin- OF MISSOURI Alabama city line where the Govenor-ap- ciples of democracy, liberty and justice for all. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pointed Highway Patrol abandoned the Free- I ask my colleagues to join me in com- Thursday, May 19, 2016 dom Riders they were charged to escort into memorating the 55th Anniversary of the Free- the city. Their nonviolence was met with orga- dom Riders who in the summer of 1961 dared Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to nized brutality of the worst kind. At the historic to make a difference and forever changed honor Hollister High School student Kaylin Montgomery Greyhound Station, the Freedom America for the better. Hunzicker, of Neosho, Missouri, on her being Riders were attacked as they exited by Jim f accepted as a delegate to the Congress of Fu- Crow enthusiasts, beaten within inches of their ture Medical Leaders by the National Acad- lives by bats and iron pipes. Many riders were BREAKING THROUGH POWER: A emy of Future Physicians and Medical Sci- left for dead in the streets. Ambulances re- HISTORIC CIVIC MOBILIZATION entists. fused to transport the wounded to hospitals. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is Some members of the community stepped in, HON. JOHN B. LARSON an honors-only program that is designed to and tried to rescue the lives of those who OF CONNECTICUT motivate and direct the top students in the dared challenge the unconstitutional Jim Crow IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States. Specifically, it’s designed for laws of the South. students aspiring to become physicians or It is my great honor to represent the 7th Thursday, May 19, 2016 medical researchers, and provides a path and Congressional District—an area that is rich Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I mentorship for students to accomplish their with the history of the young activists who de- submit the following. Ralph Nader is a resident goals. fied systemic oppression, fought for the rights of Connecticut’s First District, and has long To be considered for acceptance as a dele- of others and asked for nothing except rec- been a champion for social justice, as well as gate, applicants are either recommended by a ognition as humans in return. These individ- a crusading consumer advocate who has had teacher or member of the Academy based on uals continue to inspire me and the work I do a lasting impact on consumer rights and the a proven track record of academic excellence. day after day. American political milieu. Delegates represent all 50 states plus Puerto In commemoration of the 55th anniversary, RALPH NADER PRESENTS—BREAKING THROUGH Rico, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. I want to recognize the Freedom Riders who POWER: A HISTORIC CIVIC MOBILIZATION Students like Hunzicker who qualify for this in- risked their reputations and lives for the hu- Celebrating the 50th anniversary year of credibly selective honor exemplify top-tier dili- manity of others. This diverse group of young Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed, the gence and academic talent. people believed in persistence for obtaining Center for Study of Responsive Law an- Mr. Speaker, Kaylin Hunzicker has not only equality and justice for all people and inspired nounces four days of civic mobilization at demonstrated that she is qualified to represent millions to take a stand for their own beliefs of Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. on Missouri through her strong academic per- equity. The Freedom Riders made a daring May 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2016. Unsafe at Any formance, but has also displayed a true pas- Speed unleashed fresh energies and sparked choice in 1961—to fight against segregation the creation of numerous advocacy organiza- sion for medical science and medicine that will and oppression in an innovative way that serve her well in future endeavors. I urge my tions leading to major consumer, environ- changed the course of American history for- mental and worker safety protections. The colleagues to join me in congratulating her for ever. theme of this citizen mobilization will be this achievement. On behalf of Missouri’s Sev- The valiant efforts of Freedom Riders such elaborating ways to break through power to enth Congressional District, I wish Kaylin the as Charles Person, William Harbour, Cath- secure long-overdue democratic solutions best of luck in all her future endeavors. erine Burks-Brooks, Bernard Lafayette, Jr., Er- made possible by a new muscular civic nexus f nest ‘‘Rip’’ Patton, Jr., Kwame Leo Lillard, between local communities and Washington, Frances Wilson Canty, Allen Cason Jr., David D.C. TRIBUTE HONORING THE 55TH AN- On these four days, speakers will present NIVERSARY OF THE FREEDOM Dennis, Larry Hunter, Alphonso Petway, innovative ideas and strategies designed to RIDERS WHO BRAZENLY DESEG- Kredelle Petway, Betty Daniels Rosemond, take existing civic groups to higher levels of REGATED INTERSTATE TRAVEL Mary Jean Smith, Doratha Smith-Simmons, effectiveness. The participants will be asked Willie Thomas, Jean Thompson, Joan C. to support the creation of several new orga- HON. TERRI A. SEWELL Browning and Etta Simpson Ray led the nizations. One such group will work to open charge to the ultimate desegregation of the up the commercial media, which use the pub- OF ALABAMA bus system in Montgomery and the unification lic airwaves free of charge, to serious con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of a people to continue to fight for their rights. tent. Another will facilitate action by re- Thursday, May 19, 2016 tired military, national security and diplo- The Freedom Rides Museum in Mont- matic officials who want to deter unconsti- Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, gomery, AL serves as a strong cornerstone in tutional and unlawful plunges into wars that today I rise to acknowledge the Freedom the narrative of the role of Alabama in the Civil lead to calamitous and costly blowbacks. Rides Museum in Montgomery, Alabama in its Rights Movement. I want to thank the Ala- This ‘‘Civic Mobilization’’ will involve commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the bama Historical Commission and its director thousands of people at Constitution Hall and Freedom Riders—the brave civil rights activ- Lisa Jones for their role in safeguarding Ala- around the country and connect long-avail- ists who peacefully fought against the uncon- bama’s historic buildings and sites such as the able knowledge to long-neglected action for stitutional public transportation segregation in Freedom Rides Museum. A special thanks to the necessities and aspirations of people from all backgrounds. Many of the presen- the deep South in 1961. the leadership of Museum director Dorothy tations will feature reforms and redirections On May 14, 1961, Freedom Riders arrived Walker and the amazing supporting staff for the common good enjoy Left/Right sup- in Anniston, Alabama on a Greyhound bus. members of the Freedom Rides Museum for port. They were met by an angry mob of nearly 200 their efforts in honoring the past and pre- Breaking Through Power: How it’s Done— white people who surrounded the bus and serving the present for future generations to May 23, 2016 will feature presentations by caused the driver to pass the bus stop. They learn. The Freedom Rides Museum could not seventeen citizen advocacy groups. Over dec- were followed by the angry mob until the bus have been what it is without support from ades these activists have produced amazing tires blew out which is when a bomb was community members as well such as Judge accomplishments against powerful odds. These civic leaders will demonstrate how, thrown into the bus filled with peaceful civil Myron Thompson who helped save the build- with modest budgets and stamina, they have rights activists. Barely escaping with their ing that is now the Museum as well as improved the health, safety and economic lives, the Freedom Riders watched the bus Johnnie Carr, former President of the Mont- well-being of the people and focused public burst into flames and were then brutally beat- gomery Improvement Association for all of her opinion onto decision-makers and opponents. en by members of the surrounding mob. support as well as Louretta Wimberly of the Through greater visibility, broader support

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