[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page S4479]]



              INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I want to commend my colleagues, 
Senators Jeffords, Frist, Harkin, and Kennedy, and all the others that 
worked so long and hard to develop this bipartisan legislation. This is 
a carefully crafted compromise to balance the rights and concerns of 
school administrators and teachers as well as students and parents.
  Because of attending a family memorial service in New York City, I 
could not be here for the final votes. Had I been in Washington, I 
would have supported the leadership and voted for final passage of the 
reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, 
IDEA.
  Our country should be proud of our efforts to provide education and 
opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Thanks to the IDEA, we 
opened schools to disabled children over 20 years ago and everyone in 
our society benefits from such inclusion and education.
  In forging this legislation, leaders had to deal with difficult 
issues, including discipline problems sometimes involving weapons or 
drugs. Groups worked long and hard to develop an approach that would 
ensure that our schools are safe but that a disabled student's rights 
and education are are also protected. Classroom teachers will now be 
included in the planning and process which is a major change and 
important improvement.
  Federal funding and leadership on IDEA is crucial, but this program 
is a partnership with States and local schools. West Virginia, like 
other States, assumes the lion share of education funding but Federal 
funding provides incentives and leadership. As always with a 
comprehensive reauthorization package, there are some lingering issues 
and questions. On balance, this legislation is a tremendous achievement 
that continues our Federal commitment to help disabled students in West 
Virginia and every State in our country.

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