Congressional Democrats are pushing a federal policy that would require Americans with disabilities to have access to gyms and fitness centers in the United States.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., introduced a bill earlier this week that would “promote the availability of exercise machines and equipment, exercise and fitness classes, and instruction for persons with disabilities,” according to the Congressional Record.
The bill appears to be a companion bill to the Exercise and Fitness for All Act, which Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth introduced in the Senate earlier this year.
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Rep. Mark Desaulniers introduced the bill on Christmas Eve. (Getty Images)
The bill would direct the U.S. Access Commission, the federal agency that regulates accessibility for people with disabilities, to create new rules for fitness facilities across the country.
It requires that “the exercise and fitness instruction provided by the exercise and fitness service provider is accessible to people with disabilities” and that at least one person trained in working with people with disabilities It requires employees to be on duty during all business hours.
If introduced, it would be a major step forward for American accessibility advocates and could be a game-changer for hundreds of American companies.
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The bill is a major step forward for accessibility activists and could be a game-changer for gym businesses across the country. (St. Petersburg)
Duckworth told Forbes in July that part of the inspiration for the bill came from her own struggles finding the right gym equipment. Duckworth, a retired lieutenant colonel, lost both of his legs in Iraq in 2004 when a rocket hit the helicopter he was co-piloting.
Both she and Mr. Desaulniers were part of the push for the bill in the 117th Congress, along with the late Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska).
”[F]”Too many Americans remain excluded from basic access to exercise equipment and fitness classes due to outdated equipment and services that are unavailable to people with disabilities,” Desaulniers said in a statement at the time. mentioned in.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth introduced a similar bill in the Senate earlier this year.
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“It is unacceptable that barriers continue to exist that make it even more difficult for people with disabilities to get the exercise they need to live healthy lives.”
Considering there are no more legislative days on the calendar for the 118th Congress, Tuesday’s reintroduction of the bill appears to be largely symbolic.
Fox News Digital has reached out to DeSoulnier’s office for further comment.
Elizabeth Elkind is a political reporter for FOX News Digital, where she leads coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines can be found on the Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow @liz_elkind on Twitter and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
