OLMSTEAD DECISION MEMO

On 2026-06-29, Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "OLMSTEAD DECISION MEMO" in the House.

OLMSTEAD DECISION MEMO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [House] [Page H4267] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OLMSTEAD DECISION MEMO (Mr. Subramanyam of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, as the Senate looks to confirm or not confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, I want to point to the body a recent DOJ memo on the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision which threatens to turn back the clock decades to a time when Americans with disabilities were offered less choice, less freedom, and less care. This memo means that DOJ will not require States to serve people with disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. That means people with disabilities would be isolated from their families and from their communities. Families with a disabled loved one now fear that their only option is institutionalization. That is what Olmstead did. It prevented institutionalization of people with disabilities, and the DOJ is trying to turn back the clock now. They must reconsider this opinion. This is not just about where people with disabilities live. It is about dignity, equality, and the belief that every person deserves an opportunity to belong. It is on all of us in this body to push back against this discriminatory policy. Civil War in Sudan Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, the ongoing civil war in Sudan has displaced millions of people, and 400,000 people have died. That is over half the population of Washington, D.C. On top of that, 19 million people are facing acute food insecurity there. The war in Iran and its disruption to the supply chain has made it even harder for assistance to reach Sudan. I offered an amendment to the State Department funding bill to evaluate our current funding levels to Sudan, get them the help they need, and craft a plan to increase funding levels to meet these gaps. Unfortunately, those amendments were rejected. We need to do more to support the people suffering in Sudan. I urge my colleagues to come together and provide lifesaving assistance to them. We cannot stand on the sidelines as lives continue to be lost. Recognizing Academy Appointees Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of young leaders from our community who have earned my nomination as well as appointments to our Nation's service academies. Earning an appointment is no small feat. These students have shown excellence in the classroom, leadership in their communities, and dedication to everything they do. However, what stands out most is their willingness to serve. Last week and early this week, all 19 are reporting for their first days at the academies, beginning with basic cadet training, induction day, and more as they take the first steps in a lifetime of service. At a time when they could choose many different paths, they have chosen to build one instead that is built on sacrifice, discipline, and responsibility. Wherever their path takes them, our country will be better off because they chose to serve. On behalf of our community, congratulations to the 19 who are reporting for their first day. We are proud of them, grateful for them, and we are excited to see their accomplishments. Honoring Student-Athletes Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the student-athletes in our community who have won State championships in the spring 2026 season. A total of nine varsity spring sports teams in our community achieved this goal. There were so many that I couldn't do nine different speeches. I wanted to do one for all of them. The teams include: Freedom High School boys' tennis, Independence High School boys' lacrosse team, and Independence High School girls' soccer. Riverside High School boys' lacrosse and girls' lacrosse both won the State championship this year. Other State championship teams include: Rock Ridge boys' tennis and Tuscarora High School softball. Woodgrove and Battlefield baseball teams both won. They could really help our baseball team on the Democratic side. It is not easy to compete at such a high level while also balancing classes and personal lives. I commend these student-athletes for their commitment to excellence. Many of them are going to go to college and continue to play. It is safe to say that Northern Virginia is the home of stars both in the classroom as well as on the field. ____________________