BUSH, SENATE AGREE ON RIGHTS FOR DISABLED

President Bush and key senators have reached agreement on expanding civil rights laws to protect an estimated 37 million disabled Americans against discrimination, the White House said Wednesday. It said the accord with senators from both parties will be reflected in a bill called the Americans with Disabilities Act.

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said the agreement provides for:

Federal protection for the disabled against job discrimination, paralleling existing protections that apply to entities that receive federal funds.

A ban on discrimination against the disabled in public accommodations, including restaurants, stores and health care facilities.