Dole, vets groups join senators in pressing ratification of disability treaty

Former Sen. Bob Dole and proponents of a treaty promoting equal rights for the disabled around the world stepped up pressure for full Senate ratification.

Representatives from veterans groups and organizations for the disabled on Wednesday joined Dole and Republican Sens. John McCain, Kelly Ayotte and Mark Kirk along with Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin at a Capitol Hill news conference.

The treaty extends many provisions in the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act. Advocates say it benefits American veterans and others working, studying or traveling abroad.

Republican objections concern U.S. sovereignty, abortion and home-schooled children. The Obama administration says the accord changes nothing in U.S. law.

The treaty fell five votes short of ratification by the full Senate in December 2012.