Congresswoman Simon, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Landmark Olmstead Court Decision Supporting Americans with Disabilities on 27th Anniversary

October 7, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Simon (CA-12) alongside Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Tom Kean (R-NJ-07) introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 27th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Olmstead v. L.C.. The Olmstead decision prohibits the unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities and ensures Americans with disabilities can live full, independent lives and categorized the unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities as discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the Olmstead decision comes under attack from the Trump Administration, this bipartisan resolution reaffirms the right that people with disabilities have to live, work, and participate in their own homes and communities with independence and dignity. As the first congenitally blind Member of Congress, Congresswoman Simon is committed to defending the disability community from attacks by the Trump Administration and advancing policies that expand accessibility. Congresswoman Simon recently condemned the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services’ move to dispute the Olmstead integration mandate and undermine the key protections outlined by the Olmstead decision. "Community-based services and supports work. They are more cost-effective, produce better health and quality-of-life outcomes, and honor people with disabilities’ autonomy and self-determination. The consequences of weakening the integration mandate would be profound and impact millions of Americans’ ability to access home and community-based services that allow them to remain among their families, maintain employment, pursue education, and participate in civic life," said Congresswoman Simon. "That's why as the first congenitally blind Member to serve in Congress, I am proud to join my colleagues to reaffirm our bipartisan commitment to the Olmstead decision and fight any attempts to diminish the civil rights of the disability community." "It is essential that people with disabilities continue to have the right to live, work, and thrive in their own communities with dignity," said Congresswoman Dingell. "This bipartisan resolution reaffirms that we will not allow hard won progress to be rolled back, and that we will continue to protect and support the rights enshrined by the Olmstead decision for every person whose lives it has changed for the better." "Although the Olmstead decision was issued more than twenty ‑ five years ago, its significance remains just as strong today. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution, reaffirming our commitment to ending discrimination based on disability," said Congressman Kean. "For 27 years, the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. has informed the advancement of policies to empower individuals with disabilities to live and work independently in our communities," said Congresswoman Scanlon. "Recent attempts to undermine the Olmstead integration mandate and roll back those policies raises new opportunities for discrimination against our friends and neighbors with disabilities, and harms the larger community. I’m proud to join my House colleagues in recognizing Olmstead’s anniversary and recommitting ourselves to protecting community integration for the good of all." "Olmstead affirmed a fundamental principle: every American deserves the freedom and opportunity to build a full life in the community they call home. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, that principle has always been at the heart of my work to break down barriers, strengthen independence, and ensure all Americans with disabilities have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Twenty-seven years later, our responsibility is not simply to recognize the progress Olmstead made possible, but to protect it, build upon it, and ensure that progress is never reversed," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. The resolution is endorsed by the Caring Across Generations, United Spinal, ANCOR, Autism Self Advocacy Network, National Council on Independent Living, American Association of People with Disabilities, and the National Disability Rights Network. A copy of the resolution can be found HERE . ### Issues : Disability Justice