Bill · S. 4129· Senate(119-S-4129)
State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act
- Introduced
- 3/18/2026
- Last activity
- 3/18/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kaine
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "State Department Disability Policy and Accommodations Act," establishes an international disability rights strategy. It mandates the development of a formal policy to advance disability rights through United States diplomacy and foreign assistance. The Act directs the establishment and elevation of the Office of International Disability Rights to coordinate global engagement. It also requires improvements in accessibility for Department of State hiring, facilities, and overseas missions. Additionally, the bill creates the Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship Program to expand expertise in this field. Finally, it requires regular reporting to Congress on progress and implementation.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+10
The bill significantly enhances accessibility of government facilities, hiring practices, and international diplomacy for people with disabilities.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+10
The bill establishes an Office of International Disability Rights and a formal policy to advance disability rights globally through diplomacy.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+5
The bill integrates disability rights into the core of United States diplomatic outreach and development efforts.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Advancing Global Disability Rights: The bill directs the Secretary of State to develop a formal policy for advancing disability rights through diplomacy and development (Section 2).
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Improved Accessibility of Government Facilities: The Under Secretary of State for Management is tasked with ensuring that U.S. embassies, consulates, and leased facilities abroad are in compliance with accessibility standards (Section 4).
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Equal Opportunity in Employment: The bill requires ensuring equal access to hiring, recruitment, and overseas assignments for Civil Service and Foreign Service officers and locally employed staff with disabilities (Section 4).
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Enhanced Accessibility of Information: The Act requires making websites and other forms of communication accessible to people with disabilities (Section 4).
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Professional Development and Expertise: The creation of the Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship Program aims to expand Department expertise on disability rights policy, execution, and advocacy (Section 7).
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Specialized Training: The bill mandates disability policy training for all civil service and Foreign Service personnel and chiefs of mission (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated within the text of the bill.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+10Good For Veterans+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+10
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+5Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+1
- 3/18/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire