Blind Aide’s Dog Barred From Senate

The Senate was caught short in its compliance with federal anti-discrimination rules when a blind aide to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) was barred from bringing her guide dog onto the floor. Wyden promptly introduced a resolution to allow disabled people to bring “supporting services,” including dogs, into the chamber, and senators scrambled to join him in sponsoring the proposal. Although the Senate voted two years ago to require Congress to live by the workplace rules it imposes on other employers, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Senate has no formal rule allowing guide dogs.