David Durenberger: “I rise today in support of passage of the conference report accompanying S. 1284, the Developmental Disabilities…”

“I rise today in support of passage of the conference report accompanying S. 1284, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1994. This important piece of legislation moves us closer to assuring that individuals with disabilities and their families have access to the opportunities, services and supports that promote independence, productivity and inclusion into the community. I want to take the opportunity to thank Senator Tom Harkin, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy and his staff Bob Silverstein and Andy Bacon for their hard work and commitment to passing this legislation. I also want to thank Senator Kassebaum, Senator Jeffords, the other members of this committee and their staffs for their assistance in developing this bill. My House colleagues are to be commended for their efforts to find common ground with the Senate between the two versions of this bill. Their constructive and positive contributions have helped make this a conference agreement we can truly be proud of. Finally I want to thank and express my appreciation to all of the individuals and groups who provided us with recommendations and ideas so that this act accurately reflects the needs of individuals with disabilities.”