Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 3268, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Improvement Act of 1996. In 1975, the original version of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA] was signed into law. This comprehensive statute, ensuring the right of children with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education, has guaranteed that over 5 million children with disabilities are provided the services they need to reach their educational goals. H.R. 3268 makes changes to provisions in IDEA which will improve the academic achievement of students by helping teachers identify classroom placements which most fit children's needs. The legislation will make necessary changes in provisions governing mediation and attorney's fees, ensuring that dollars for IDEA go to the education of children, not to court fees. The IDEA Improvement Act has bipartisan support and incorporates a majority of recommendations formulated by a broad group of disability organizations, education groups, parent representatives, and others. I am pleased at the support for this historic civil rights law and the House's commitment to providing teachers and families with the tools and training they need to help disabled students succeed in school.”