[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 26 (Thursday, March 1, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IDEA FULL FUNDING ACT OF 2001

  (Mr. GARY MILLER of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, today I will be 
introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act of 2001. I would like to thank my 
27 colleagues who have already joined me in supporting this important 
measure.
  In 1975, the U.S. Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities 
Education Act, IDEA, mandating that local school districts provide 
appropriate education to students with special needs. Realizing that 
this could be a costly endeavor, Congress agreed to fund up to 40 
percent of the average per pupil expenditure.
  However, to date, Congress has only provided States with 14.9 percent 
of the funds promised. We need to do a better job of keeping the IDEA 
promise, and I am proposing that we strive to meet this goal.
  My bill will achieve the 40 percent level in 2011. By steadily 
increasing funds over the next 10 years, we would demonstrate our 
commitment to our local school districts and practice fiscal prudence.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in meeting the IDEA 
promise.

                          ____________________