Congressional Record, Volume 142 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)

[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H8672-H8673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT AMENDMENTS
OF 1996

Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 3867) to amend the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill
of Rights Act to extend the Act, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:

H.R. 3867

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1996''.

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF ALLOTMENTS FOR STATES.

Section 130 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6030) is amended by
striking ``the fiscal years 1995 and 1996'' and inserting
``the fiscal years 1995 through 1999''.

SEC. 3. REAUTHORIZATION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO PROTECTION
AND ADVOCACY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.

Section 143 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6043) is amended by
striking ``the fiscal years 1995 and 1996'' and inserting
``the fiscal years 1995 through 1999''.

SEC. 4. REAUTHORIZATION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO UNIVERSITY
AFFILIATED PROGRAMS.

Section 156(a) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6066(a)) is amended by
striking ``the fiscal years 1995 and 1996'' and inserting
``the fiscal years 1995 through 1999''.

SEC. 5. REAUTHORIZATION OF AUTHORITIES RELATING TO PROJECTS
OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

Section 163(a) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6083(a)) is amended by
striking ``the fiscal years 1995 and 1996'' and inserting
``the fiscal years 1995 through 1999''.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York [Mr. Frisa] and the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman] each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Frisa].
Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. FRISA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to bring to the floor this
legislation which is entitled the Developmental Disabilities Assistance
and Bill of Rights Reauthorization Act and to urge its adoption.
This is, I think, an excellent example of how the Federal Government
can best help to coordinate resources with the States as well as
localities and other private sector programs to effectuate improvements
in the lives of those who have suffered disabilities which do not
enable them to live as full a life as possible. This program is now
being reauthorized through 1999.
I think it is important to point out that the gentleman from Virginia
[Mr. Bliley], the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, along with the
gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell], his counterpart on the other
side, as well as the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], the
subcommittee chairman, and the gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman],
I think put forward an excellent bipartisan effort to ensure that this
bill would come to the floor with unanimous approval of the Committee
on Commerce.
Mr. Speaker, briefly this legislation will reauthorize 4 particular
programs: The basic State council grant program; the protection and
advocacy systems program; university-affiliated programs, which
coordinates with some 59 universities throughout these United States to
coordinate available programs and training programs as well for
individuals; and, finally, projects of national significance.
Mr. Speaker, I would urge adoption of this measure.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House is considering today the
reauthorization of important programs under the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.
These programs address the special concerns and needs of over 3
million Americans affected by developmental disabilities. Conditions
such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, epilepsy, and autism
manifest themselves early in life, result in varying degrees of
disability, and affect both individuals and families for many years.
Serving these people effectively requires cooperation between the
Federal Government and States, local communities, and the private
sector. The goal is to ensure that affected individuals and their
families have access to appropriate services; that programs promote
productivity, independence, and appropriate integration into the
community; and that affected people and families have an opportunity to
participate in program development and implementation.

H.R. 3867 extends the authorization of four effective programs that
provide for research, training and education, and a variety of social
and support services.
First, the bill provides for continued assistance to States to
support activities of developmental disabilities councils. These
activities include the design and promotion of comprehensive, statewide
systems that are consumer- and family-oriented, to help developmentally
disabled people achieve their maximum productive potential. To qualify
for these funds, a State must have established a council which is
comprised of at least 50 percent representation from people with
developmental disabilities and their families or guardians. The State
also must have a comprehensive plan that includes development and
operation of programs of training, outreach, prevention, education, and
collaboration with a variety of service agencies at the State and local
levels.
H.R. 3867 also reauthorizes State protection and advocacy programs
that are designed and maintained by States to protect the legal and
human rights of people with developmental disabilities. Protection and
advocacy systems operate based on individual State needs, are
independent of any service agency, and perform an essential role in
ensuring protection and quality care for vulnerable citizens.
Finally, this bill, H.R. 3867, reauthorizes university-affiliated
research, education, training, and information dissemination
activities; and special research projects of national significance.
These programs are designed to develop and apply creative approaches to
service delivery and care that are workable and sensitive to special
needs; to disseminate information about successful activities; and to
provide technical assistance. The goal of all of this research is to
enhance the ability of individuals with developmental disabilities to
live and work in their communities in the most effective ways.
All of the activities under the Developmental Disabilities Act are
designed to recognize differing needs within States and communities,
and to capitalize on successful ideas and actions that originate at the
State or local level. This is a system that is working for people, and
H.R. 3867 recognizes that success by reauthorizing the programs without
change. These programs deserve our continuing support.
H.R. 3867 is supported by a broad spectrum of individuals and
organizations whose expertise and work is dedicated to providing the
best care and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
An identical bill was passed by the Senate, July 12, by unanimous
consent, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that it can
be signed into law as expeditiously as possible.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from California for
his support of this legislation and helping to craft it originally, and
certainly this reauthorization, and would just add

[[Page H8673]]

that there were many organizations, as has been noted, that have worked
on the Task Force on Developmental Disabilities. I would just like to
share some of them because it is such a wide-ranging group:
The American Association on Mental Retardation; the American
Association of University Affiliated Programs; the American Network of
Community Options and Resources; the American Occupational Therapy
Association; the American Rehabilitation Association; the Autism
National Committee; the Epilepsy Foundation of America; the
International Brain Injury Society; the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation;
Justice For All; the Learning Disabilities Association; the National
Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils; the National
Association of Protective and Advocacy Systems; the National Easter
Seals Society; the National Parent Network on Disabilities; the
National Therapeutic Recreation Society; the ARC; the Association for
People With Severe Disabilities; the United Cerebral Palsy
Associations; and the list goes on and on and on.
Once again, in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would advocate the passage
of this measure which will help enhance the lives of those who are
afflicted with these disabilities, in such a way as to make the very
best use of precious small Federal resources in coordination with our
State, local governments, educational institutions, health care
organizations, as well as private sector organizations.
Mrs. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in
lending my support for H.R. 3867, legislation that reauthorizes the
Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act. As a longtime
advocate of individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families, it gives me great pleasure to see the House take up a bill
that provides necessary services and programs for individuals seeking
aid and the skills necessary to their well being. During my years in
the Washington State legislature, I worked with the many families who
desired to provide for their children's real and often very unique
needs. As chairwoman of the Children and Family Services Committee, I
witnessed first hand how the developmental disability councils defined
the priorities of the developmentally disabled and consequently
coordinated their funding requests. The university affiliated programs
in the State of Washington also provided invaluable information to
professionals and families alike. Having seen these different programs
at work in Washington State, I applaud Congress' commitment to these
invaluable services. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
important legislation.
Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York [Mr. Frisa] that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 3867.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

general leave

Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H.R. 3867.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.

{time} 1030

Mr. FRISA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on
Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the Senate bill
(S. 1757) to amend the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill
of Rights Act to extend the Act, and for other purposes, and ask for
its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the Senate bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Jones). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the Senate bill, as follows:

S. 1757