CAPITOL HILL (WUSA) -- Senate Republicans scuttled a treaty to expand the rights of the disabled, despite the pleas of party stalwarts like Bob Dole and John McCain.

Supporters argued the treaty would have expanded the rights enshrined in the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act.

Critics feared it would give the UN the right to violate American sovereignty. An internet campaign jammed the Capitol switchboard with thousands of calls.

The treaty fell five votes short of the two-thirds majority it needed for ratification.

Written and Reported by Bruce Leshan
9News Now & wusa9.com
Twitter: @BruceLeshan