UN Treaty Coming Up for Voting

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities bill is slated for ratification by the Senate this Thursday, the anniversary of day the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. The treaty must first get through a Senate committee today before it can be brought up for consideration by the entire body. Described by supporters as “the first comprehensive human rights treat of the 21st century," the United Nations adopted it in 2006. More than 100 of the 153 nations that are signatories have formally ratified it. It is designed to guarantee protection for Americans with disabilities that work, travel and study abroad. Critics say it will wrongly expand the power of the United Nations in the U.S. Former Senator Rick Santorum claims the treaty will “usurp the rights" of parents. Other leaders in the Republican party support the effort, including Republican Senator John McCain and former Senator Bob Dole.