[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 21 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE EVERYONE DESERVES UNCONDITIONAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION 
  (EDUCATE) ACT MANDATORY FULL FUNDING FOR IDEA BIPARTISAN COMPROMISE 
                                  BILL

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 5, 2007

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Everyone 
Deserves Unconditional Access to Education Act, a bill to fully fund 
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I thank my colleagues, 
Representatives Ferguson and Hooley, for their work on this bill.
  Madam Speaker, it was more than 30 years ago that Congress passed 
IDEA, requiring states to provide an appropriate education to students 
with special needs. At that time, Congress promised states that it 
would cover 40 percent of the costs to meet this goal. However, 
Congress has yet to fulfill its promise to states. In fact, Congress 
has never met even half of its commitment. This is unacceptable.
  The bill I introduce today with Representatives Ferguson and Hooley 
will fulfill our promise to states with guaranteed funding increases 
for IDEA every year. It will relieve the burden on states and ensure a 
quality education for all special needs students. And it will restore 
the integrity of this Congress by ensuring that a promise made is a 
promise kept.
  Madam Speaker, states and students have waited more than 30 years for 
Congress to fulfill its pledge. I encourage members from both sides of 
the aisle to join with Representatives Ferguson, Hooley, and me to 
support our schools and provide our students with the resources they 
need.

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