[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 32 (Monday, March 21, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 1284, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND 
                 BILL OF RIGHTS ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1994

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
conference report on the Senate bill (S. 1284) to amend the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to expand 
or modify certain provisions relating to programs for individuals with 
developmental disabilities, Federal assistance for priority area 
activities for individuals with developmental disabilities, protection 
and advocacy of individual rights, university affiliated programs, and 
projects of national significance, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate bill.
  (For conference report and statement, see prior proceedings of the 
House of today.)
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to rule, the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Waxman] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Moorhead] will be recognized for 20 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman].


                             general leave

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on 
S. 1284.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the principal purpose of S. 1284 is to revise and extend 
the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. The 
act authorizes four programs designed to assist individuals with 
developmental disabilities to live more productive lives in communities 
and institutions: the State developmental disability councils; the 
protection and advocacy programs; the university affiliated programs; 
and projects of national significance. These four programs are 
authorized for a total of $117 million in fiscal year 1994, which is 
also the current appropriations level, and such sums as may be 
necessary for fiscal years 1995 and 1996.
  The compromise legislation worked out with the Senate includes 
resolution of the issues brought to our attention on the needs of 
individuals living in the community and in institutions.
  The legislation enjoys broad support on both sides of the aisle. I 
would especially like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Dingell, Mr. Bliley, 
Mr. Greenwood, and Mr. Brown for their hard work in bringing us to 
consensus on this legislation. I would also like to thank my colleagues 
on the Education and Labor Committee for their interest and valuable 
input into this process.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MOORHEAD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on S. 1284.
  Mr. Speaker, developmental disabilities are severe, chronic 
disabilities, either physical, mental, or a combination, which manifest 
themselves before a person reaches age 22. These disabilities result in 
substantial limitations in three or more major life areas, such as 
learning, mobility, and capacity for independent living. There are 
currently about 3 million individuals with developmental disabilities 
in the United States.
  The developmental disabilities assistance and bill of rights act 
authorizes four programs: The State grant program; protection and 
advocacy systems; university affiliated programs; and projects of 
national significance. These programs work to support the development 
of a comprehensive system of services and support for people with 
developmental disabilities.
  I am very pleased that language addressing the concerns of the voice 
of the retarded were incorporated in the conference report. I 
understand that the original House report language caused concern among 
several groups in the field. I am pleased that in clarifying this 
language we retained the language which states: ``The goals expressed 
in this act to promote the greatest possible integration and 
independence for individuals with developmental disabilities may not be 
read as a Federal policy supporting the closure of residential 
institutions.''
  I am also pleased that all the funding levels in the bill are those 
that were in the House bill and that several of the concerns of some 
Governors were addressed.
  I support the conference report and urge my colleagues to join me.

                              {time}  1340

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. MOORHEAD. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Montgomery). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman] that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the conference report on the 
Senate bill, S. 1284.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the conference report was agreed 
to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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