Rep. Jim Langevin Becomes First Person In A Wheelchair To Preside Over House Of Reps

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by Frances Martel | 10:09 pm, July 26th, 2010

» 3 comments

A barely-noticed milestone occurred in the House of Representatives today: Rep. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island became the first person in a wheelchair to preside over the House of Representatives, as he presided over the passing of a resolution honoring the anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act. A series of lifts were installed in the chamber to help him reach the top of the room.

Rep. Langevin, who was elected in 2000 and suffered paralysis before the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1980, talked to CNN’s John King today on presiding over the House, calling it “one of the most thrilling, exciting, and humbling experiences in my life, just a real honor,” and thanking Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for giving him the opportunity. He also detailed the many benefits disabled people now have under the ADA– having experienced America as a disabled person before its passing– and reiterated that he was “just thrilled to be the first and to be part of” the advances America has made in the past several decades.

Rep. Langevin’s story from CNN’s John King, USA tonight below:

Americans with Disabilities Act, CNN, Congress, House of Representatives, Jim Langevin, John King, John King USA, Nancy Pelosi

Munch

Joe Biden :” Jim, stand-up and let the people see ya!”
MadamDeb

Fact check: The Americans with Disabilities Act was not passed in 1980. Rather, it became law under Geo. H.W. Bush in 1990. (I know; I worked in a DC-area corporate firm that had to make the appropriate adjustments — ramps, larger office doors to fit wheelchairs, etc.)

Just a typo, I’m sure.
Nachi

Yeah, that all sounds real nice. But was that wheelchair “Made In Murcuh”??? Check it out, GOPsters!