House Passes Problem Solvers-Endorsed Bill to Streamline Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act (H.R.670), legislation that would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an online database of resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The bill received broad bipartisan support, passing under suspension of the rules. 

The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Marc Molinaro (NY-19) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and has 25 additional cosponsors, 13 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Molinaro and David Trone (MD-06). The Caucus officially endorsed the bill in October.

Currently, individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers have to navigate a confusing patchwork of federal and state information to identify and access the services they need. This creates unnecessary barriers for individuals with disabilities to access healthcare, mental health resources, long-term care, and other community-based services.

The Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act would establish a comprehensive, easy-to-use website for individuals with disabilities to easily access these necessary resources. The website will also include an option to search by zip code so individuals can locate options for care in and around their communities. 

“My bipartisan bill to create a groundbreaking national website for families with disabilities has passed the House Floor. This is a major victory for the disability community, made possible by the steadfast support of the Problem Solvers Caucus and its members. Families and individuals of all abilities will now have direct access to essential local resources and services through this innovative platform,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19).

“The Think DIFFERENTLY Database Act is as common-sense as it comes, which is why it was overwhelmingly supported and passed by the U.S. House,” said Congressman David Trone (MD-06). “We owe individuals with disabilities streamlined access to federal-, state-, and local-level resources, and this legislation will do just that: ensuring life is made that much easier for folks and their families and caregivers. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues and I could unite to support this legislation, and I urge its final passage into law.” 

The full text of the bill can be found here. 

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The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.