Sessions and Hoyer Introduce Bill to Modernize AbilityOne Program

Representatives Pete Sessions (R) and Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) introduced bipartisan legislation to update the federal AbilityOne program while preserving its mission of creating employment opportunities for Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities.

What would the bill change?

The American Procurement Improvement Act, or APIA, would modernize the statutory framework governing AbilityOne, including federal procurement rules and program accountability.

The lawmakers also say the legislation would expand eligibility and create additional opportunities for employees with disabilities to be hired, promoted, and advance their careers.

AbilityOne was created in 1937 and has connected federal contracting with employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. The lawmakers said more than 41,000 Americans are employed through the program, while arguing its governing framework has not kept pace with current workforce and procurement conditions.

Rep. Sessions cited an 8.3% unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities last year, describing it as more than twice the rate for Americans without disabilities.

Rep. Pete Sessions: "AbilityOne has worked for nearly 90 years, connecting federal procurement with real employment for Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities. The law governing it has not kept pace."

Who supports the legislation?

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Suhas Subramanyam(D- VA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI). It is also endorsed by a coalition of 50 organizations, unions, disability stakeholders, and advocacy groups.

Rep. Hoyer said the legislation would modernize procurement while making the program more accountable and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities.