Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to offer this amendment, which would simply direct officials at the Department of Homeland Security to work with the National Organization on Disability on their Emergency Preparedness Initiative.  We all know that people with disabilities face unique challenges in their every day lives.  They range from mobility impairment to communication barriers, and they can become substantial obstacles in an emergency. 

As we take steps to make our nation a safer place, it is critical to keep in mind that if we neglect issues of accessibility and inclusion in our planning, the problems that surface later will be more complicated, more expensive, and in some cases, will cost people their lives. 

After September 11th, the National Organization on Disability, or NOD, showed tremendous leadership by launching the Emergency Preparedness Initiative – EPI – to ensure that emergency managers address disability concerns and that people with disabilities are included at all levels of emergency preparedness – planning, response, and recovery.  Indeed, this type of planning serves all those with special needs – not just individuals with disabilities, but also the elderly and other vulnerable groups.  With support from Congress and many in the disability community, EPI has become firmly established within the emergency management industry and among disability advocacy organizations.
In my capacity as co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I have worked with representatives from EPI to highlight these issues here on Capitol Hill and throughout the nation.  The work they are doing is a critical component to our national security, and I am proud to support their efforts.  As we work to keep all Americans safe and secure, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.