JAN 13 1993




The Honorable Larry E. Craig
United States Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20510

Attention: Nicole L. Gaul

Dear Senator Craig:

        This is in response to your inquiry on behalf of Dr. J.
Roger Curran concerning applicability of the Americans with
Disabilities Act to the Federal government.

        The Americans with Disabilities Act, which became effective
on January 26, 1992, does not cover the executive branch of the
Federal government, primarily because an earlier law, the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prohibits discrimination on the basis
of disability in employment and in programs and activities
conducted by Federal executive agencies. The Architectural
Barriers Act of 1968 also imposes accessibility requirements for
buildings and facilities constructed or leased by the United
States. The United States Congress and agencies of the
legislative branch are, however, covered by section 509 of the
Americans with Disabilities Act.

        I hope this information is helpful in responding to your
constituent.

                                        Sincerely,




                                      John R. Dunne
                                Assistant Attorney General
                                   Civil Rights Division

cc: Records; Chrono; Wodatch; McDowney; MillerC; FOIA; MAF.
    :udd:millerc:craig.cng

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LARRY E. CRAIG                                        AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION
   IDAHO                                                   AND FORESTRY
Hart Senate Office Building                              ENERGY AND NATURAL
(202) 224-2752                                                RESOURCES
                                                         SPECIAL COMMITTEE
                             UNITED STATES SENATE            ON AGING
                          WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1203



                             November 23, 1992

Mr. W. Lee Rawls
Assistant Attorney General
Office of Legislative Affairs
Department of Justice
Constitution and 10th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530

Dear Mr. Rawls:

Enclosed please find a copy of an inquiry I recently received
from Dr. J. Roger Curran.

As you will note, Mr. Curran is concerned about the Federal
government exempting itself from the Americans with Disabilities
Act. He has enclosed an article exemplifying his concerns. I
would appreciate your review and response to these concerns.
Please forward your response to the address below:

                Senator Larry E. Craig
                302 Hart Office Bldg.
                Washington, D.C. 20510
                Attention: Nicole L. Gaul

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,




LARRY E. CRAIG
U.S. Senator

LEC\nlg
Enclosure

01-01833