PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 110-773.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 26, 2007
Americans with Disabilities Act Restoration Act of 2007 - Amends the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to remove from the definition of "disability" a reference to substantially limiting one or more major life activities.
Prohibits, in determining whether an individual has an impairment, considering whether the individual uses a mitigating measure, the impact of any mitigating measures, or whether the impairment is episodic, in remission, or latent. Defines the term "mitigating measure."
Defines "physical" and "mental" (used regarding an impairment), "record of physical or mental impairment," and "regarded as having a physical or mental impairment."
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Declares that an adverse action taken because of an individual's use of a mitigating measure constitutes discrimination under the Act.
Prohibits employment discrimination against an individual on the basis of disability (currently, against a qualified individual with a disability because of the disability).
Allows, as a defense to a charge of discrimination, that the individual alleging discrimination is not a qualified individual with a disability.
Requires that the Act's provisions be broadly construed.
Directs the Attorney General, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Requires the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue guidelines to supplement the existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design.
Entitles duly issued federal regulations and guidance to deference by administrative agencies or officers and courts.
People & committees
Sen. Harkin, Tom [D-IA] · D–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 110-773.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10152-10153)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10151-10152)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.1881 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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