WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate panel has advanced a treaty promoting equal rights for disabled around the world. but full ratification still appears a major doubt.
Tuesday’s vote of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was 12-6.
Among Republicans, treaty backers John McCain and John Barrasso joined Democrats in voting yes. Among GOP senators who’ve previously stated their opposition, none switched sides.
Republican objections concern U.S. sovereignty, abortion and homeschooled children. The Obama administration says the accord changes nothing in U.S. law.
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.
The treaty fell five votes short of ratification by the full Senate in December 2012. The administration and Senate Democrats are making another push for its passage.
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