[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4920, the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. 
The legislation would improve service systems for individuals with 
disabilities, including state developmental disability councils that 
assist individuals with disabilities, protection and advocacy systems 
for individuals with disabilities, and university affiliated programs 
for research and public service programs. I am pleased to see that 
others here in Congress are taking up this fight, particularly Rep. 
Rick Lazio, the sponsor of this legislation we are now considering.
  Rep. Lazio has done an outstanding job of bringing the need for this 
legislation to the attention of Members. Under his leadership, H.R. 
4920 has been crafted to provide many quality services for individuals 
with disabilities. Mr. Lazio's bill builds upon the programs in current 
law to create a well-rounded approach toward assisting individuals with 
disabilities.
  I also find it very appropriate that we consider this legislation on 
the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In its ten 
years, the ADA has done much to improve the daily lives of individuals 
with disabilities. The ADA has helped move these individuals into the 
mainstream of American life.
  The Committee I chair has jurisdiction over several laws that provide 
assistance and protections for individuals with disabilities, including 
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Throughout my time in Congress, 
I have consistently fought for improved programs and funding for 
individuals with disabilities.
  I am particularly pleased with the increases in funding for IDEA that 
we have seen over the past five years, although we still have a long 
way to go.
  I am pleased to support this bill.

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