[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H3583-H3589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER ACT
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 5220) to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment
Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the
expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for other
purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 5220
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Eunice
Kennedy Shriver Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS ACT
Sec. 101. Reauthorization.
TITLE II--BEST BUDDIES
Sec. 201. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 202. Assistance for Best Buddies.
Sec. 203. Application and annual report.
Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER INSTITUTES FOR SPORT
AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Sec. 301. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 302. Establishment of Institutes.
Sec. 303. Activities of Institutes.
Sec. 304. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS ACT
SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION.
Sections 2 through 5 of the Special Olympics Sport and
Empowerment Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 15001 note) are amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
``(1) Special Olympics celebrates the possibilities of a
world where everybody matters, everybody counts, and every
person contributes.
``(2) The Government and the people of the United States
recognize the dignity and value the giftedness of children
and adults with intellectual disabilities.
``(3) The Government and the people of the United States
recognize that children and adults with intellectual
disabilities experience significant health disparities,
including lack of access to primary care services and
difficulties in accessing community-based prevention and
treatment programs for chronic diseases.
``(4) The Government and the people of the United States
are determined to end the isolation and stigmatization of
people with intellectual disabilities, and to ensure that
such people are assured of equal opportunities for community
participation, access to appropriate health care, and
inclusive education, and to experience life in a
nondiscriminatory manner.
``(5) For more than 40 years, Special Olympics has
encouraged skill development, sharing, courage, and
confidence through year-round sports training and athletic
competition for children and adults with intellectual
disabilities.
``(6) Special Olympics provides year-round sports training
and competitive opportunities to more than 3,000,000 athletes
with intellectual disabilities in 26 sports and plans to
expand the benefits of participation through sport to
hundreds of thousands of people with intellectual
disabilities within the United States and worldwide over the
next 5 years.
``(7) Research shows that participation in activities
involving both people with intellectual disabilities and
nondisabled people results in more positive support for
inclusion in society, including in schools.
``(8) Special Olympics has demonstrated its ability to
provide a major positive effect on the quality of life of
people with intellectual disabilities, improving their health
and physical well-being, building their confidence and self-
esteem, and giving them a voice to become active and
productive members of their communities.
``(9) In society as a whole, Special Olympics has become a
vehicle and platform for reducing prejudice, improving public
health, promoting inclusion efforts in schools and
communities, and encouraging society to value the
contributions of all members.
``(10) The Government of the United States enthusiastically
supports the Special Olympics movement, recognizes its
importance in improving the lives of people with intellectual
disabilities, and recognizes Special Olympics as a valued and
important component of the global community.
``(b) Purpose.--The purposes of this Act are to--
``(1) provide support to Special Olympics to increase
athlete participation in, and public awareness about, the
Special Olympics movement, including efforts to promote
broader community inclusion;
``(2) dispel negative stereotypes about people with
intellectual disabilities;
``(3) build community engagement through involvement in
sports; and
``(4) promote the extraordinary gifts and contributions of
people with intellectual disabilities.
``SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS.
``(a) Education Activities.--The Secretary of Education may
award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative
agreements with, Special Olympics to carry out each of the
following:
``(1) Activities to promote the expansion of Special
Olympics, including activities to increase the full
participation of people with intellectual disabilities in
athletics, sports and recreation, and other inclusive school
and community activities with non-disabled people.
``(2) The design and implementation of Special Olympics
education programs, including character education and
volunteer programs that support the purposes of this Act,
that can be integrated into classroom instruction and are
consistent with academic content standards.
``(b) International Activities.--The Secretary of State,
acting through the Assistant Secretary of State for
Educational and Cultural Affairs, may award grants to, or
enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, Special
Olympics to carry out each of the following:
``(1) Activities to increase the participation of people
with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics outside of
the United States.
``(2) Activities to improve the awareness outside of the
United States of the abilities and unique contributions that
people with intellectual disabilities can make to society.
``(c) Healthy Athletes.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services may award grants to, or enter into contracts or
cooperative agreements with, Special Olympics for the
implementation of on-site health assessments, screening for
health problems, health education, community-based
prevention, data collection, and referrals to direct health
care services.
``(2) Coordination.--Activities under paragraph (1) shall
be coordinated with appropriate health care entities,
including private health care providers, entities carrying
out local, State, Federal, or international programs, and the
Department of Health and Human Services, as applicable.
``(d) Limitation.--Amounts appropriated to carry out this
section shall not be used for direct treatment of diseases,
medical conditions, or mental health conditions. Nothing in
the preceding sentence shall be construed to limit the use of
non-Federal funds by Special Olympics.
``SEC. 4. APPLICATION AND ANNUAL REPORT.
``(a) Application.--
``(1) In general.--To be considered for a grant, contract,
or cooperative agreement under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of
section 3, Special Olympics shall submit an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary of Education, Secretary of State, or Secretary
of Health and Human Services, as applicable, may require.
``(2) Content.--At a minimum, an application under this
subsection shall contain each of the following:
``(A) Activities.--A description of specific activities to
be carried out with the grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement.
``(B) Measurable goals.--A description of specific
measurable annual benchmarks, long-term goals and objectives,
and outcomes to be achieved through specified activities
carried out with the grant, contract, or cooperative
agreement, which shall include, at a minimum, the following:
[[Page H3584]]
``(i) Activities to increase the full participation of
people with intellectual disabilities in athletics, sports
and recreation, and other inclusive school and community
activities with nondisabled people.
``(ii) Education programs that dispel negative stereotypes
about people with intellectual disabilities, in the case of
applications for a grant under section 3(a).
``(iii) Activities to increase the participation of people
with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics outside of
the United States, in the case of applications for a grant
under section 3(b).
``(iv) Health-related activities, including on-site health
assessments, screening for health problems, health education,
community-based prevention, data collection, and referrals to
direct health care services, in the case of applications for
a grant under section 3(c).
``(b) Annual Report.--
``(1) In general.--As a condition of the receipt of any
funds for a program under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of
section 3, Special Olympics shall agree to submit an annual
report at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary of Education, Secretary of
State, or Secretary of Health and Human Services, as
applicable, may require.
``(2) Content.--At a minimum, each annual report under this
subsection shall describe--
``(A) the degree to which progress has been made toward
meeting the annual benchmarks, long-term goals and
objectives, and outcomes described in the applications
submitted under subsection (a); and
``(B) demographic data about Special Olympics participants,
including the number of people with intellectual disabilities
served in each program referred to in paragraph (1).
``SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
under section 3(a), $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such
sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal
years;
``(2) for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
under section 3(b), $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such
sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal
years; and
``(3) for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
under section 3(c), $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2011, and such
sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal
years.''.
TITLE II--BEST BUDDIES
SEC. 201. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Best Buddies operates the first national social and
recreational program in the United States for people with
intellectual disabilities.
(2) Best Buddies is dedicated to helping people with
intellectual disabilities become part of mainstream society.
(3) Best Buddies is determined to end social isolation for
people with intellectual disabilities by promoting meaningful
friendships between them and their non-disabled peers in
order to help increase the self-esteem, confidence, and
abilities of people with and without intellectual
disabilities.
(4) Since 1989, Best Buddies has enhanced the lives of
people with intellectual disabilities by providing
opportunities for 1-to-1 friendships and integrated
employment.
(5) Best Buddies is an international organization spanning
1,300 middle school, high school, and college campuses.
(6) Best Buddies implements programs that will positively
impact more than 700,000 individuals in 2010.
(7) The Best Buddies Middle Schools program matches middle
school students with intellectual disabilities with other
middle school students and supports 1-to-1 friendships
between them.
(8) The Best Buddies High Schools program matches high
school students with intellectual disabilities with other
high school students and supports 1-to-1 friendships between
them.
(9) The Best Buddies Colleges program matches adults with
intellectual disabilities with college students and creates
1-to-1 friendships between them.
(10) The Best Buddies e-Buddies program supports e-mail
friendships between people with and without intellectual
disabilities.
(11) The Best Buddies Citizens program pairs adults with
intellectual disabilities in 1-to-1 friendships with other
people in the corporate and civic communities.
(12) The Best Buddies Jobs program promotes the integration
of people with intellectual disabilities into the community
through supported employment.
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of this title are to--
(1) provide support to Best Buddies to increase
participation in and public awareness about Best Buddies
programs that serve people with intellectual disabilities;
(2) dispel negative stereotypes about people with
intellectual disabilities; and
(3) promote the extraordinary contributions of people with
intellectual disabilities.
SEC. 202. ASSISTANCE FOR BEST BUDDIES.
(a) Education Activities.--The Secretary of Education may
award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative
agreements with, Best Buddies to carry out activities to
promote the expansion of Best Buddies, including activities
to increase the participation of people with intellectual
disabilities in social relationships and other aspects of
community life, including education and employment, within
the United States.
(b) Limitations.--
(1) In general.--Amounts appropriated to carry out this
title may not be used for direct treatment of diseases,
medical conditions, or mental health conditions.
(2) Administrative activities.--Not more than 5 percent of
amounts appropriated to carry out this title for a fiscal
year may be used for administrative activities.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this title shall be
construed to limit the use of non-Federal funds by Best
Buddies.
SEC. 203. APPLICATION AND ANNUAL REPORT.
(a) Application.--
(1) In general.--To be considered for a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement under section 202(a), Best Buddies
shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary of Education may
require.
(2) Content.--At a minimum, an application under this
subsection shall contain the following:
(A) A description of activities to be carried out under the
grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.
(B) Information on specific measurable goals, objectives,
and outcomes to be achieved through activities carried out
under the grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.
(b) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--As a condition of receipt of any funds
under section 202(a), Best Buddies shall agree to submit an
annual report at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary of Education may require.
(2) Content.--At a minimum, each annual report under this
subsection shall describe the degree to which progress has
been made toward meeting the specific measurable goals,
objectives, and outcomes described in the applications
submitted under subsection (a).
SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Education for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
under section 202(a), $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2011 and
such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding
fiscal years.
TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER INSTITUTES FOR SPORT
AND SOCIAL IMPACT
SEC. 301. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) For more than 50 years, Eunice Kennedy Shriver
dedicated her life, energies, and resources without bounds to
improving the lives of people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities around the world. She stands as
the iconic founder and leader of one of the most important
disability rights movements in history.
(2) Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded and influenced the
development of Special Olympics and Best Buddies, both of
which celebrate the possibilities of a world where everybody
matters, everybody counts, every person has value, and every
person has worth.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this title to improve
and advance opportunities for people with intellectual
disabilities to fully participate and engage in inclusive
sports and recreation, social activities, and other community
opportunities, through--
(1) conducting research, data collection, and evaluation
activities;
(2) providing technical assistance and training;
(3) fostering and promoting interdisciplinary
collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships; and
(4) commemorating the work and contributions of Eunice
Kennedy Shriver and encouraging others to emulate her
leadership, including her efforts to encourage and promote
greater social and community opportunities for people with
intellectual disabilities and their families.
SEC. 302. ESTABLISHMENT OF INSTITUTES.
(a) In General.--From the amount made available under
section 304 that is not reserved under subsection (g), the
Secretary of Education shall award competitive grants to one
or more eligible entities for the purpose of establishing
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for Sport and Social Impact
(referred to in this title as ``Institutes'').
(b) Eligible Entity.--In this title, the term ``eligible
entity'' means an institution of higher education (as defined
in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a))) with demonstrated expertise and experience
in research, technical assistance, and training related to
improving and advancing opportunities for people with
intellectual disabilities to fully participate and engage in
inclusive community opportunities, in partnership with a
nonprofit organization with demonstrated expertise and
experience in inclusive sports, recreation, social,
educational, and community opportunities for people with
intellectual disabilities.
(c) Grant Period.--Each grant awarded under this title
shall be for a 3-year period.
(d) Grant Recipient Contribution.--An eligible entity
receiving a grant under this title shall provide a
contribution (which may include an in-kind contribution), in
an amount not less than 25 percent of the costs of the
activities assisted under the grant, to carry out such
activities.
(e) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds made available under
this title shall be used
[[Page H3585]]
to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and
local funds expended to carry out the purpose of this title.
(f) Application.--An eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary of Education at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information and assurances
as the Secretary may require. Such application shall, at a
minimum, include--
(1) a description of activities to be carried out
consistent with section 303; and
(2) annual measurable benchmarks and long-term goals and
objectives to be achieved through such activities.
(g) Reservation of Funds for National Activities.--From the
amount appropriated under section 304, the Secretary of
Education shall reserve not more than 10 percent to enter
into a cooperative agreement, on a competitive basis, with an
eligible entity for the purpose of implementing national
coordination activities, including development of mechanisms
for communication among grantees, dissemination of
information resulting from activities under the grants,
dissemination of evidence-based practices, and technical
assistance to grantees.
SEC. 303. ACTIVITIES OF INSTITUTES.
(a) In General.--Each grantee under this title shall use
the grant to advance the quality of life and inclusion of
people with intellectual disabilities through research and
evaluation, technical assistance, training, data collection,
evaluation, collaboration, and dissemination of evidence-
based best practices.
(b) Required Activities.--
(1) In general.--Each grantee under this title shall use
grant funds to--
(A) establish a research agenda and annual measurable
benchmarks and long-term goals, and conduct research and
evaluation of evidence-based best practices, with the goal of
improving the quality of life and furthering the social
inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, in
cooperation and consultation with--
(i) people with intellectual disabilities;
(ii) family members of people with intellectual
disabilities;
(iii) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (as designated
in section 151 of the Developmental Disabilities Act (42
U.S.C. 15061));
(iv) other relevant Federal, State, and local entities
conducting research related to people with intellectual
disabilities;
(v) other Federal, State, and local entities serving people
with intellectual disabilities; and
(vi) other relevant nonprofit organizations.
(B) provide training and technical assistance to people
with intellectual disabilities, families of people with
intellectual disabilities, nonprofit organizations, public
entities, educational programs, recreation programs, and
others to increase opportunities for inclusive participation
by such people in sports and recreation, social
opportunities, education, and the community, including
provision of assistance to programs and entities serving
primarily non-disabled people in order to successfully
include people with intellectual disabilities in activities
with non-disabled people;
(C) collect and analyze data related to barriers to, and
factors ensuring, access to full inclusion and participation
in community and quality of life for people with intellectual
disabilities, including demographic data; and
(D) report on the research, findings, conclusions, and
recommendations resulting from the activities of the grant.
(2) Research and evaluation.--Research, evaluation, and
data collection described in subparagraph (A) and (C) of
paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) best practices in preventive health and wellness for
people with intellectual disabilities, including sports and
recreational activities;
(B) identification of barriers to, and factors ensuring,
access to full inclusion and participation in community and
quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities;
(C) best practices in supporting independence, community
living, and inclusive social engagement for people with
intellectual disabilities;
(D) physical and mental health disparities for people with
intellectual disabilities; and
(E) other relevant activities related to the purpose of
this title, as described by the eligible entity in the
application submitted under section 302(f).
(c) Report.--Each recipient of a grant under this title
shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of Education an
annual report that includes information on progress made in
achieving the projected goals and outcomes of the activities
of the Institute for the previous year, including demographic
information on the populations served and measurable
accomplishments in advancing the quality of life and
inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the
community.
SEC. 304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
title such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2011
through 2015.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Ms. Fudge) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
General Leave
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days within which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous materials on H.R.
5220 in the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Ms. FUDGE. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy
Shriver Act of 2010, which will provide important resources and
services to the people with intellectual disabilities. This bill will
reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004,
provide assistance to Best Buddies to support the expansion and
development of mentoring programs, and establish the Eunice Kennedy
Shriver Institutes for Sports and Social Impact.
Special Olympics and the Best Buddies program would not be where they
are today or mean so much to so many people without Eunice Kennedy
Shriver. She dedicated her life to the goal of a fully inclusive and
supportive society for people with intellectual disabilities.
Mrs. Shriver founded Special Olympics and was a longtime supporter
and board member of Best Buddies. She knew that all too often people
with intellectual disabilities are subject to social isolation because
of their different abilities. She fought hard to ensure that children
and adults with intellectual disabilities were not subject to
stigmatization and prejudice.
This bill makes sure that children and adults can fully participate
and engage in education, social activities, and community
opportunities. With this bill, we will move closer toward the goal of
increased participation and inclusivity in society for people with
intellectual disabilities.
For more than 40 years, Special Olympics has provided sports training
and competitive opportunities to more than 3 million athletes with
intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics has enhanced the quality of
life of people with intellectual disabilities, improving their health
and physical well-being, building their confidence and self-esteem, and
giving them a voice to become active and productive members of their
communities.
Since 1989, Best Buddies has worked with 1,300 middle school, high
school, and college campuses to create inclusive communities for people
with intellectual disabilities through a medium of friendship. Over
700,000 people have benefited from the Best Buddies one-to-one peer
matches, citizen programs for adults, and job programs that promote
integration in the workplace.
Finally, this bill establishes the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes
for Sports and Social Impact. The Institutes support research on
effective means for inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities,
provide technical assistance to promote inclusion, foster collaboration
among people and organizations working toward effective inclusion, and
commemorate Mrs. Shriver's dedication to this cause.
As many of you recall, Mrs. Shriver passed away last August, just
before her brother the late Senator Ted Kennedy, also a champion of
people with disabilities. This bill is fittingly named the Eunice
Kennedy Shriver Act of 2010 and honors her vision of a world where
people with intellectual disabilities are successfully integrated into
our schools, our workplaces, and our general communities. I share that
vision and support the activities authorized by this bill.
Once again, I express my support for H.R. 5220 and thank
Representative Hoyer for introducing this important legislation. I also
want to thank Chairman Berman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and
Chairman Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee for working with
the Education and Labor Committee on allowing this bill to move
expeditiously to the floor.
I submit an exchange of letters dated May 7, May 10, and May 14,
2010, between these chairmen and Chairman Miller to be included in the
Record.
[[Page H3586]]
Committee on Foreign Affairs,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, May 7, 2010.
Hon. George Miller,
Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, Rayburn House
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H.R.
5220, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, introduced by
Representative Hoyer on May 5, 2010.
This bill contains provisions within the Rule X
jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. In the
interest of permitting your Committee to proceed
expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill,
I am willing to waive this Committee's right to mark up this
bill. I do so with the understanding that by waiving
consideration of the bill, the Committee on Foreign Affairs
does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the
subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its
Rule X jurisdiction.
Further, I request your support for the appointment of
Foreign Affairs Committee conferees during any House-Senate
conference convened on this legislation.
Please include a copy of this letter and your response in
the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure
on the House floor.
Sincerely,
Howard L. Berman,
Chairman.
____
Committee on Education and Labor, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, May 10, 2010.
Hon. Howard L. Berman,
Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rayburn House Office
Building, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Berman: Thank you for your May 7, 2010,
letter regarding H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act.
Your support for this legislation and your assistance in
ensuring its timely consideration are greatly appreciated.
I agree that provisions in the bill are within the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I
acknowledge that by waiving rights to further consideration
at this time of H.R. 5220, your Committee is not
relinquishing its jurisdiction and I will fully support your
request to be represented in a House-Senate conference on
those provisions over which the Committee on the Foreign
Affairs has jurisdiction in H.R. 5220, or similar
legislation. A copy of our letters will be placed in the
Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the
House floor.
I value your cooperation and look forward to working with
you as we move ahead with this important legislation.
Sincerely,
George Miller,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives, Committe on Energy and
Commerce,
Washington, DC, May 14, 2010.
Hon. George Miller,
Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, Rayburn House
Office Building, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Miller: I am writing to confirm our
understanding regarding H.R. 5220, the ``Eunice Kennedy
Shriver Act.'' As you know, this bill was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdictional
interest in provisions of the bill.
In light of the interest in moving this bill forward
promptly, I do not intend to exercise the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Energy and Commerce through further Committee
consideration of H.R. 5220. 1 do this, however, only with the
understanding that forgoing further consideration of H.R.
5220 at this time will not be construed as prejudicing this
Committee's jurisdictional interests and prerogatives on the
subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. In
addition, we reserve the right to seek appointment of an
appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate
conference involving this legislation.
I would appreciate your including this letter in the
Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the
House floor. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter,
Sincerely,
Henry A. Waxman,
Chairman.
____
Committee on Education and Labor, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, May 14, 2010.
Hon. Henry Waxman,
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Waxman: Thank you for your May 14, 2010,
letter regarding H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act.
Your support for this legislation and your assistance in
ensuring its timely consideration are greatly appreciated.
I agree that provisions in the bill are within the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I
acknowledge that by waiving rights to further consideration
at this time of H.R. 5220, your Committee is not
relinquishing its jurisdiction and I will fully support your
request to be represented in a House-Senate conference on
those provisions over which the Committee on Energy and
Commerce has jurisdiction in H.R. 5220, or similar
legislation. A copy of our letters will be placed in the
Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the
House floor.
I value your cooperation and look forward to working with
you as we move ahead with this important legislation.
Sincerely,
George Miller,
Chairman.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of the bill before us, H.R. 5220, the Eunice
Kennedy Shriver Act.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the founder and honorary chairperson of
Special Olympics and a leader in the worldwide effort to improve the
lives and understanding of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
For more than three decades, through her work with the Joseph K.
Kennedy, Jr. Foundation and Special Olympics, she worked tirelessly to
seek the prevention of intellectual disabilities by identifying its
causes and improving the means by which society deals with citizens who
have intellectual disabilities.
Mrs. Shriver passed away on August 11, 2009, but her work to ensure
that individuals with intellectual disabilities are able to lead
independent lives in their communities will live on. An estimated 7
million individuals, 2 percent of the population of the United States,
have intellectual disabilities which impair daily living skills needed
to live and work in the local community as productive citizens. The
three major known causes of intellectual disabilities are Down
syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and Fragile X.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act will assist individuals with
intellectual disabilities by continuing the Federal Government's
support of programs that provide early intervention, effective
education, research, and appropriate supports for individuals with
intellectual disabilities so that they can reach adulthood and become
contributing members of our society.
First, the bill reauthorizes the Special Olympics Sport and
Empowerment Act of 2004. Special Olympics was established in 1968 and
provides year-round sports training and competitive opportunities in 26
sports to more than 3 million athletes with intellectual disabilities.
But it does so much more. It dispels negative stereotypes about people
with intellectual disabilities, builds community engagement, increases
the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in community
life, and provides education and health screenings for individuals with
intellectual disabilities.
Second, the bill authorizes support for Best Buddies, a nonprofit
organization that provides mentors and friends to individuals with
intellectual disabilities to increase their social relationships. Best
Buddies was founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver as the first
national, social, and recreational program for people with intellectual
disabilities. Since that time, it has grown from one chapter to more
than 1,400 middle school, high school, and college campuses all around
the country.
Finally, the bill establishes Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institutes for
Sport and Social Impact. Through this effort, institutions will conduct
research, collect data, and evaluate evidence-based best practices,
with the goal of improving the quality of life and, further, the social
inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I want to recognize the life and
accomplishments of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Her dedication to improving
the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities is awe
inspiring, and I hope that this bill will serve as a fitting legacy to
her efforts.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman from
Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) for such time as he may consume.
Mr. KENNEDY. I thank the gentlelady from Ohio, and I thank the
gentleman, Mr. Petri, for his wonderful words about my Aunt Eunice. I
want to acknowledge my good friend and colleague, Representative Blunt
from the minority side, for his support for this bill. And I want to
especially thank our majority leader, Representative Hoyer, for his
leadership on this issue. It has been steadfast and long appreciated by
my family and all of those in the Special Olympics family.
[[Page H3587]]
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5220, the Eunice Kennedy
Shriver Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to reauthorize the Special
Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004 and to advance the
development of Best Buddies mentoring and employment programs across
this country.
My aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics in
1968. She did so in order to help foster a society that would celebrate
and enhance the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.
She had seen those afflicted with intellectual disabilities,
including her own sister Rosemary, my Aunt Rosemary, and saw that they
were being shut out from fundamental opportunities that life had to
offer. She had seen that this entire segment of our population was
being denied the basic right to live a fulfilling life because of the
stigma, because of the misunderstandings that pervaded our society
about people with cognitive disorders. In witnessing these injustices,
my aunt sought nothing less than to change our society's perceptions
and approach to intellectual disabilities.
Over the 40 years since the inception of Special Olympics, it has
done just that. By encouraging involvement in sports, in education, in
health programs, Special Olympics has given rise to an entire
generation of volunteers, parents, individuals, all encouraging those
with intellectual disabilities to embrace their lives and their
abilities. And for those who have been involved in Special Olympics,
you know that it is not the disabilities. It is the abilities. And it
is not just the Special Olympians who benefit from Special Olympics. It
is the volunteers. It is anybody who has witnessed a Special Olympics
event.
This message of understanding and compassion has led Special Olympics
to develop an international organization, and today that organization
represents 3 million athletes in 44,000 events all over the country,
and 170 countries now have teams for the international games.
I want to commend my cousin, Tim Shriver, who carries on his mother's
legacy of being CEO of Special Olympics, and my cousin, Anthony
Shriver, who runs Best Buddies.
{time} 1130
I want to say that if I had the chance to look back on my family's
legacy, and if all of my family who held public office today were all
here on the floor thinking about all of the public service in public
office; if my cousin Kathleen were here, who's Lieutenant Governor; my
cousin Mark, who's in the General Assembly; my cousin Joe, who was here
in Congress; if my father, who served in the United States Senate for
nearly five decades, who's often said to be one of the greatest
Senators to ever serve in this Congress; if my Uncle Bobby, who was not
only a Senator but Attorney General, was here; if my uncle, President
Kennedy was here, all of them would say if there was a greater legacy
in my family, it was probably none other than someone who never served
in public office in my family, and that was the legacy of my aunt,
Eunice Shriver, when she started the Special Olympics. It's going to be
the most enduring legacy that my family ever had a part of, and it's
something that all of us are very proud to be part of in the Special
Olympics family. Everybody can be part of the Special Olympics. I
encourage everybody to go to a Special Olympics event and, in doing so,
be part of the Special Olympics spirit. It's something to behold.
Let's pass the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act.
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my
colleague from the State of Michigan, Vern Ehlers, a member of the
committee.
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. That
stirring speech by Mr. Kennedy, which we have just heard, reminds us of
why this bill is so important. Let me also read a few passages which
really struck me, in which Congress finds the following: Special
Olympics celebrates the possibilities of a world where everybody
matters, everybody counts, and every person contributes. The Government
and the People of the United States are determined to end the isolation
and stigmatization of people with intellectual disabilities and to
ensure that such people are assured of equal opportunities for
community participation, access to appropriate health care, and
exclusive education, and to experience life in a nondiscriminatory
manner.
I will stop at that point and simply say I'm very pleased to be one
of the early cosponsors of this bill. I have attended Special Olympics
events, and I can tell you they are more stirring and more of a
blessing to the soul of the spectators than any other sporting event
they can possibly go to. The children--and it is primarily for children
but adults often participate, too--but they struggle so hard. And they
succeed. They succeed admirably in achieving their goals. It just stirs
your heart to be involved and help Special Olympics, to watch the
Special Olympics, and to share the joy of the participants when they
successfully complete the particular activity they're engaged in.
This is a wonderful bill. It's a wonderful opportunity. I had the
pleasure of meeting Eunice Shriver a few years ago and discussed the
Special Olympics with her shortly before her death. This is a major
contribution she has made to the children of this country, and I
strongly urge that we pass this bill.
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
majority leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from Ohio,
Congresswoman Fudge, for yielding. I thank her for her leadership in
bringing this bill to the floor. I thank my friend, Mr. Petri, for his
work on this legislation. I am once again, and too infrequently
nowadays, glad to join with one of my best friends in the House of
Representatives, Roy Blunt from Missouri, who has worked with me for
many years on this issue with the Shriver and Kennedy families.
I'm pleased that Patrick Kennedy is on the floor with us, my good
friend and a wonderful Member of Congress, who's done such an
extraordinary job representing Rhode Island and our country, and who
Eunice Shriver is, I know, very proud of as she watches his commitment
to those who have confronted disabilities and medical challenges.
Patrick Kennedy has been a giant in raising the voice--and showed
extraordinary courage. To that extent, that is consistent with the
Kennedy legacy of courage in the face of adversity. Patrick, thank you
very much.
I met Patrick's aunt in 1962, long before many people here were born.
It was at a Young Democrats convention at the Washingtonian Motel on
Route 70 in Montgomery County. Sargent Shriver was the speaker at that
convention. Judy and I were at that convention. I was then 22 or 23
years of age, and I was, of course, properly awestruck by Sargent
Shriver and Eunice Shriver, having gotten into politics because of John
Kennedy's call for young people to become engaged.
Patrick is correct in many ways. Certainly, one of, if not the giant
of the family, was Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who, through her
relationship with her sister, understood firsthand the discrimination,
the isolation, the prejudice that can be directed at somebody with a
disability, or at least with somebody that didn't have the same
abilities that others have. Not only did she lament that but she lived
her life to reverse that. That's what Patrick was talking about,
compellingly. That's why Roy Blunt and I have joined together over the
years to support this legislation.
We have had the privilege of working with Tim Shriver and Anthony
Shriver, who carry on the legacy. What a wonderful family, from
generation to generation passing the torch of service from one
generation to the next. I have had the privilege of being a close
friend of, as I said, Patrick and his father, with whom I worked very
closely over the years, and so many other members of his family.
This legislation is named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who
dedicated her long life to public service--not an elected office, but
like so many more of us that served in elected office, millions and
millions of Americans who saw a challenge and sought to meet it,
especially committed to the inclusion of those with intellectual
disabilities in the mainstream of our society. I was proud to call her
friend. I was proud to be at NIH the day that we named a center for
Eunice Kennedy Shriver. More
[[Page H3588]]
importantly, she was a friend to millions of people around the world,
many of whom never knew her name and will not realize how they are the
beneficiaries of her leadership and her commitment.
We have Eunice Kennedy Shriver to thank in large part for the Special
Olympics and for better understanding of the challenges and potential
of people with intellectual disabilities. This bill carries her legacy
of inclusion and public service. It reauthorizes the Special Olympics
Act, which continues grant funding for a remarkable movement that has
promoted athletic competition and health for more than four decades. It
emphasizes the importance of competition and competing and
participating. Yes, winning is nice. But in the competition itself is
the victory--the victory of spirit, the victory of courage, the victory
of self-satisfaction.
Today, the Special Olympics reaches more than 3 million athletes in
more than 150 countries. For those athletes, the Special Olympics means
the joy of competition and the challenge of pushing themselves to be
their very best. For the rest of us, the Special Olympics has increased
respect for people with disabilities. From time to time, those of us
who have participated in the Special Olympics, particularly some time
ago, when huggers were allowed--we were huggers. Huggers simply meant,
Congratulations. Well done. Keep on keeping on.
This bill also reauthorizes grants to expand the successful Best
Buddies program, which is dedicated to the social integration of
children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Again, Eunice
Shriver and John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, other Kennedy siblings saw
Rosemary and they saw the isolation to which she was subjected. I had
the opportunity of visiting Anthony in Florida, and Rosemary was at his
house. The love and care extended to Rosemary was extraordinary. This
was something that they lived, not just fought for.
Its volunteers gain valuable leadership opportunities and its
participants with disabilities learn that they are valuable members of
our communities. It is a valuable part of Eunice Kennedy Shriver's
legacy, one that has found its way to more than a thousand schools and
workplaces, and it deserves--and I'm sure will get--our support.
As Mrs. Shriver has said about the athletes whose competition she's
supported for so many years, Special Olympic athletes are spokespersons
for freedom itself--they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to
belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. That
should be the goal for every American with a disability, and indeed it
should be the goal of us all. This bill brings it a little closer to
realization.
I, again, want to thank my good friend, Roy Blunt, who has been so
deeply involved in this effort. It has been, as always, a privilege to
be his partner in this effort. I urge its overwhelming adoption and
again thank Congresswoman Fudge and Congressman Petri for their
efforts.
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to a
special leader of this House and coauthor of the bill before us, the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).
Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and thank
he and Congresswoman Fudge for bringing this bill to the floor. I'm
honored to be here on the floor with my good friend, Mr. Hoyer. We
first brought this concept of healthy athletes to the floor 6 years
ago, when, for the first time, the Federal Government said we can add
something to Special Olympics that doesn't change Special Olympics but
just simply adds to it. It doesn't change the character of volunteers.
It doesn't change the character of charitable contribution. It doesn't
change the character of competition. It adds a component to Special
Olympics that helps athletes who have many challenges discover some
challenges in health that maybe no one has discovered yet.
Today, this bill would simply authorize that program, which I will
talk about in some detail, for another 5 years. I hope that we continue
to see the kind of things that Mr. Hoyer and I have been able to watch
as a result of this decision by the Congress 6 years ago. As has
already been said, it also passes a bill again that this Congress has
already passed--a bill that Mr. Hoyer and I sponsored last year, that
would provide a new level of assistance to Best Buddies, a program
where adults who work with other adults who have mental challenges
become the friend, the mentor, the person who brings that person more
deeply into society than they otherwise would be. It also authorizes a
new competitive grant program called the Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Institutes for Sport and Social Impact to fund organizations that
demonstrate commitment to the vision of special needs kids.
{time} 1145
Earlier this year, Leanna Krogmann, a Special Olympian from Missouri,
came in to see me, and along with her family and other families, Leanna
reminded me of the importance of Special Olympics and its Healthy
Athletes program, which really focuses on Healthy Athletes in several
disciplines: Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, Healthy Hearing, FUNFitness,
Health Promotion, Fit Feet and MedFest, so that those medical things
that might not otherwise get checked, get checked.
Patrick Kennedy has come to the floor, as have others today,
including Mr. Hoyer, and have talked about the significant contribution
that Eunice Kennedy Shriver made to the world and to America in so many
ways, and the Special Olympics and Best Buddies were two of them. She
grew up, of course, in a family of competitors, but her older sister
Rosemary was mentally challenged and couldn't keep up. I had the
opportunity a few years ago to meet Rosemary and to learn that every
Christmas and every August, no matter where Rosemary was, she came to
be wherever Eunice Shriver was. And I was honored to meet her and
honored to speak on the floor when her life was ended about the
contribution that life had made because of what her sister and her
family had decided to do.
In 1962, Mrs. Shriver started the Special Olympics in her big
backyard--it was a big backyard, but it was a backyard--a competition
that now attracts 3 million athletes from 160 countries around the
world. In August of last year, a card with this challenge was part of
Eunice Kennedy Shriver's memorial service, talking about Best Buddies
and talking about Special Olympians. This card read, ``The right to
play on any playing field, you have earned it. The right to study in
any school, you have earned it. The right to hold a job, you have
earned it. The right to be anyone's neighbor, you have earned it.''
These programs make a difference in people's lives.
In Missouri in just one of the last 5 years, 1,029 athletes went
through the Healthy Athlete screening free of charge. Families with
many challenges often miss one. And this was something that took me a
while to figure out because these are families who go to doctors, who
go to events, who do lots of things, but they're dealing with lots of
challenges. And maybe the one challenge they don't know they're dealing
with is that this individual also can't see as well as they also
thought they could or can't hear. And we find that out in these
screenings. In fact, in Healthy Hearing, 18 percent of the Missourians
in this year I'm talking about required follow-up care when they had
their hearing test. Health Promotion, almost one in five were obese and
got advice on healthy choices, on tobacco cessation, on sun safety.
Opening Eyes, 230 athletes were screened in Missouri in 2007. Almost
half, 45 percent, of the people screened needed prescription eyewear
and didn't have it. Special Smiles, 23 percent of the 334 athletes
screened were in urgent need of follow-up care. I was told by someone
who runs the Missouri Special Olympics program that one young man was
looking at the tree tops with his new glasses later on in the day after
he had gotten them, and he said, I've always heard the birds, but I
never saw the birds. One young woman said about her glasses that now
her glasses meant that there was only one ball to catch instead of
trying to figure out which of the two balls that had always been coming
at her before was the real ball and which one she just saw.
Let's extend these programs. Let's pass this bill. Let's encourage
these athletes. And again, to all my friends who have come to the
floor, who have worked to make this a program where
[[Page H3589]]
the government makes some difference but still understands, as others
have said, that anybody can volunteer, everybody is touched by being a
part of this program. Watch a walk-on at your State's Special Olympics.
Go to a local competition. See what it means when that card's handed
out that says, ``You have earned it,'' as these Special Olympians and
Best Buddies have. And I urge us to pass the bill.
Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker I rise today in support of H.R. 5220, the
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act.
On behalf of the more than 2,000 Special Olympians from my district I
am so proud to honor the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who
dedicated her life to providing opportunities for children and adults
with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I also want to recognize the remarkable talent and dedication these
athletes bring to their sports.
Earlier this year I was lucky to meet Erin Holloway, a Colorado
Special Olympian who visited my office in January.
This remarkable young woman has competed in almost every Special
Olympic sport over her 30 years in the program, before settling on golf
and equestrian as her favorites.
In 2005, she became the first Special Olympian inducted into the
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.
She credits the Special Olympics program with giving her confidence
in her abilities, teaching her to live independently, and the knowledge
that she is a good person.
Erin's remarkable story is a testament to the impact this program has
had on the lives of thousands of Americans.
This is an important program, and I urge my colleagues to support
this legislation.
Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the
bill before us, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, and yield back the
balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I, as well, would ask that my colleagues
support H.R. 5220, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 5220, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________