Pete Sessions: “I would like to, before I really begin my remarks, thank the gentleman, the chairman of the committee and his staff who…”

“I would like to, before I really begin my remarks, thank the gentleman, the chairman of the committee and his staff who have been very helpful not only in working with me on this amendment but being supportive of it. I would like to thank the gentleman from California. Madam Chairman, I rise today to offer my amendment that would grant students with intellectual disabilities access to Federal work study funds for enrollment in comprehensive post-secondary educational programs. The reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA, in 2004 helped ensure that students with intellectual disabilities are provided every resource necessary to address their elementary through high school education goals. However, education for people with disabilities should not end in high school, which is why this amendment is so important. My amendment provides these young adults with an opportunity to participate in post- secondary education programs along with their peers. Madam Chairman, approximately 94 universities and colleges currently offer programs for students with intellectual disabilities, enabling these students to lead productive and independent lives. For example, Laura Lee, a student with Downs Syndrome, is a junior at George Mason University's LIFE program, or known as the Learning into the Future Environments program.…”