After his big win in the U.S. House last week, U.S. Rep Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., urged the U.S. Senate this week to quickly pass his Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act." Crenshaws bill would create tax-free savings accounts for disabled Americans for qualified expenses and passed on a 404-17 vote on Wednesday. Now it heads to the Senate where it has more than 70 co-sponsors being led by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.
"Thanks to ABLE, Americans who struggle to meet the daily challenges of living with disabilities are now on their way to a brighter future, said Crenshaw on Monday. Just as other Americans do, they will be able to access IRS-sanctioned tools to plan for their future and reach for every possible dream. I am hopeful for the bills passage in the Senate this week so Congress can send the ABLE Act on to the president to be signed into law.
Crenshaw took to the national stage this past weekend to push the ABLE Act. Along with U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, and U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Crenshaw offered the Republican response to President Barack Obama over the past weekend and talked about the ABLE Act.
I first filed this legislation in 2006, Crenshaw said in the response. That was eight long years ago, but because of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of an awful lot of people, we were able to bring that legislation to the floor and pass it with an overwhelming majority.
The legislation is fairly simple, and straightforward, Crenshaw added. It allows individuals with disabilities to set up a tax-free savings account as long as they use the proceeds for qualified expenses like medical bills or transportation bills.
This allows individuals with disabilities a better chance to help themselves, to be less dependent on government and more independent in their daily lives, Crenshaw continued. It allows them to achieve their full potential and to realize their hopes and their dreams. And when you listen to Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Pete Sessions and their stories, its easy to see why the ABLE Act will open the door to a brighter future for millions of Americans.
I cant think of a greater privilege than to speak out with legislation for people that cant often speak for themselves, Crenshaw said in conclusion. And I know the ABLE Act will bring justice and peace of mind to millions of American families who deal with disabilities every day.
Crenshaw is not the only ABLE Act backer expecting the Senate to move quickly on the issue. Pennsylvania's Casey said at the end of last week he expects the Senate to follow suit.
The Houses overwhelming vote in favor of the ABLE Act was a major step forward that I believe will propel the bill to pass the Senate this week, Casey said. This legislation will help countless families save for the long term care of their loved ones with disabilities.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
