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Scalise Secures Win For Disabled Louisiana Workers

October 1, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today announced his amendment will be included in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that exempts AbilityOne products from certain Department of Defense (DOD) procurement programs in Asia and Africa. These programs, which were created to promote the economic interests of countries where our troops are deployed, resulted in blind and disabled American workers losing their jobs. The Scalise provision effectively reverses this policy and ensures that AbilityOne agencies are not negatively impacted but, rather, are able to supply our troops with the products they need.

"Securing this victory for Lighthouse Louisiana and AbilityOne agencies across the nation will help give those with disabilities the opportunity to improve their economic well-being," Rep. Scalise said. "Disabled workers should not suffer because of this Administration’s misguided policies, which for Lighthouse Louisiana resulted in layoffs and the loss of millions of dollars in contracts. Diplomacy and economic development in strategic foreign countries should not come at the expense of jobs for disabled Americans here at home. It is a privilege to fight to protect the jobs of disabled Louisiana workers that are being outsourced to foreign countries, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation without delay. Thank you to Senator Vitter, and Congressmen Boustany and Richmond for joining me in securing this meaningful victory for disabled Louisiana workers.”

“This amendment is a big win for Americans with disabilities and the AbilityOne program,” said Renee Vidrine, President of Lighthouse Louisiana. “We’re excited that Steve Scalise, David Vitter, and the entire Louisiana Congressional Delegation have teamed up to protect jobs for people with disabilities across America. When our fellow citizens with disabilities can earn a paycheck and live independently, it’s not just good for them – it’s good for our country.”

Background on Scalise involvement:

-For 100 years, Lighthouse Louisiana has taught life skills and provided career opportunities to blind and disabled workers at its New Orleans manufacturing facility. Last year a policy change resulted in the shifting of jobs overseas with the goal of developing economies in countries where our troops serve. This decision resulted in the loss of more than 40 jobs and $18 million in contracts at Lighthouse Louisiana.

-In October 2014, Scalise sent this letter to the Administration explaining that this should not be done at the expense of jobs for disabled Americans.

-In April 2015, Scalise held a press conference with Lighthouse Louisiana to call for a reverse of this policy, and to call attention to the importance of protecting jobs at home and empowering disabled Americans.

-In May 2015, the House unanimously passed the Scalise Amendment to be included in NDAA that reverses policy negatively impacting jobs for disabled workers at Lighthouse Louisiana