[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2550-E2551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EDUCATION FOR ALL HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ACT

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of 
this resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of the enactment of 
the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and reaffirming 
Congress's support for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
(IDEA).
  I believe strongly that Congress must provide the funding promised 
nearly 30 years ago for IDEA and that is why I support legislation that 
would fully fund this commitment to special education. All American 
children must have access to a free public education in an environment 
that is appropriate and supportive.
  While this resolution today acknowledges the promise to our states 
and schools to fund IDEA at 40 percent of the average per pupil 
expenditure, it fails to address how far we are from making that goal a 
reality. This Republican-controlled Congress funds IDEA at less than 20 
percent of its promise. We owe it to our students, their families, and 
our communities to make full funding a reality. I will continue to work 
with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fully fund our 
commitment to special education.
  Because of the efforts of families, teachers, and school 
administrators across the country, we are, today, able to make the 
needs of students with disabilities a priority. It is time that

[[Page E2551]]

this Congress remembers not only the anniversary, but also the promise 
and commitment made to families and children. I urge my colleagues to 
support this important resolution and to continue to vote in favor of 
funding our federal responsibility to special education in order to 
move us forward in our goal to provide an equal, quality education for 
all students.

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