Policy Corner: December 3, 2021

Congress Passes Measure to Continue Federal Funding Through Feb. 18

Congress passed another Continuing Resolution (CR) extending funding for the federal government through Feb. 18, 2022. The measure continues funding at the same level as the current CR that expires at midnight. Although there was speculation that the Senate would not pass the stopgap measure, forcing a government shutdown, 69 Senators voted to approve the CR as passed by the House of Representatives. The CR now goes to President Biden to sign into law.

White House Recognizes International Day of Person with Disabilities

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the United States is partnering with other governments, civil society, and experts across the globe to discuss disability-inclusive democracy around the world. This event, which is being co-hosted by Norway and the United Kingdom, is a part of the U.S. Summit for Democracy. The discussion will include how to improve the accessibility of voting, increase support for political leaders, and expand civic engagement. President Biden appointed Sara Minkara to be the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. As the senior-level disability human rights position at the State Department, the special advisor leads the U.S. comprehensive strategy to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities internationally and across the department. Among the White House priorities are to increase access to democracy for voters with disabilities; advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the federal government; expand access and inclusion for Americans with disabilities; develop inclusive international health systems; and help individuals with disabilities cope with challenges posed by COVID-19.

The administration will take the following steps to create a more disability-inclusive democracy:

• Launching the Disability Inclusive Democracy Year of Action;
• Focusing on inclusive climate planning to support people with disabilities and their representative organizations in responding to climate change;
• Announcing partnerships to improve access, including assistive technology and devices; and
• Committing to inclusive disability policy.

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Create Veterans Response Teams

Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), along with 38 co-sponsors, introduced the SERVICE Act of 2021, H.R. 5788, to authorize the Attorney General to make grants for the creation and operation of veterans’ response teams within law enforcement agencies. The bill would create a pilot and sets forth activities that the funds can be used to support the response teams, including training and education for law enforcement officers on mental health issues related to military services, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, and anxiety.

BIAA gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Neuro Skills and Avanir Pharmaceuticals for their support for legislative action. Click here to read past issues of Policy Corner.