January 25, 2021

Duckworth Applauds Biden Appointment of National Council on Disability Chair Gallegos Following Her Recommendation

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today commended President Biden for designating Andrés J. Gallegos as Chairman of the National Council on Disability (NCD). Duckworth wrote to then-President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris in December recommending Gallegos, of Chicago, to lead NCD. At Duckworth’s recommendation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) appointed Gallegos to serve on NCD in February 2018. NCD is an independent, nonpartisan federal agency that advises the President, Congress and other federal agencies on matters affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities.

“I am pleased that President Biden took my recommendation to designate Mr. Gallegos as the Chairman of the National Council on Disability,” Duckworth said. “In moving to elevate Mr. Gallegos to lead NCD, the Biden-Harris administration is sending a clear message that it values the voices of people with disabilities as it formulates policies and implements programs across the federal government. I look forward to continuing to work with Mr. Gallegos in fulfilling the dream and vision of the ADA.”

Since she was first elected to Congress, Duckworth has been a fierce advocate for disability rights. She led efforts to protect the ADA, gathering enough support from her Senate colleagues to block a House bill that would have gutted enforcement of the landmark civil rights legislation and rewarded businesses that have failed to make their facilities accessible to people with disabilities. Duckworth passed legislation to require airlines to disclose the number of lost bags and broken wheelchairs to ensure travelers are treated with dignity. Duckworth has also been a vocal opponent of recent GOP attacks on the disability community in the GOP COVID-19 relief proposals and has fought for increased funding for home and community-based services for seniors and people with disabilities. In December, Duckworth also called on the incoming administration to prioritize appointing and hiring people with disabilities.

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