MAR 25 1994

T. 2/23/94
SBO:RM:ca
DJ 204-16-0


The Honorable Joe Skeen
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-3102

Dear Congressman Skeen:

     This letter responds to your inquiry concerning whether the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to the U.S. House
of Representatives. Specifically, you requested a legal opinion
on whether the ADA requires a member of Congress to provide a
sign language interpreter at a public meeting held by the member,
and whether the ADA provides remedies for a private individual
against the House of Representatives.

     The Attorney General is authorized by law to render legal
opinions only to the President and heads of the executive
departments. However, under the ADA, the Department of Justice
is authorized to provide technical assistance to individuals and
entities having rights or obligations under Titles II and III of
the ADA. In that regard, Titles II and III do not apply to
Congress, since Title II pertains to State and local government
entities and Title III applies to public accommodations and
commercial facilities.

     Section 509 of the ADA, however, does cover Congress and
other entities in the legislative branch of the Federal
Government. 42 U.S.C.  12209. With respect to matters other
than employment, section 509 mandates that the Architect of the
Capitol, after approval by the Speaker of the House, establish
remedies and procedures to be utilized in the House of
Representatives regarding rights and protections provided under
the ADA. For more information on these procedures and remedies,
we suggest that you contact Ms. Peggy Lambert, Attorney, the
Office of the Architect of the Capitol, at (202) 225-1200.

                                    Sincerely,



                                    Sheila F. Anthony
                                    Assistant Attorney General

cc: Ms. Peggy Lambert

cc: Records  CRS  Chrono  MAF  Mather.skeen.ltr  McDowney  FOIA

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