Political Quotes

“I rise in objection to the rule. Mr. Speaker, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, also known as IDEA, has made progressive strides for children with disabilities since it was first introduced in 1975. H.R. 1350, which reauthorizes this landmark legislation, is before the House today. This bill has some very positive attributes and, I think, perhaps some very negative points. First, this bill provides for a 1-year statute of limitations on complaints for due process hearing. I think this is very helpful for school districts who are serving many of these students. The 1-year statute will prevent complaints from previous school years from reoccurring. But at the same time, this bill weakens protections for parents and students that are provided by the current law. The bill gives the option for a school district to develop an individual education plan for the child every 3 years. The current law provides for the IEPs to be done every year. Three years is too long, I think, to track a student's progress. This bill needs to maintain the continued IEP for every school year. Additionally, the bill allows students to be moved indefinitely to an alternative placement for any violation of a school's code of conduct. Current law allows a 45-day alternative placement unless it is for weapons, guns or drugs. Removing the child indefinitely may not be warranted by the facts of the particular situation of the child.”