    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [May 13, 1997]
    [Page 596]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House Action To Reauthorize the Individuals With
    Disabilities Education Act
    May 13, 1997

        I am pleased that the House today took a major step toward ensuring
    high quality educational opportunities for all students with
    disabilities by voting to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities
    Education Act (IDEA). I am hopeful that the Senate will do the same
    shortly.
        Over the last 20 years, the IDEA has made it possible for young
    people with disabilities to reach their full potential. This legislation
    strengthens and reaffirms our commitment to these children and their
    parents, and I look forward to signing it into law.
        This legislation is the result of a bipartisan process that involved
    hard work not only by both Democrats and Republicans in the Congress but
    also by the Department of Education and representatives of the education
    and disability communities. I hope that we can continue in this
    bipartisan spirit and move forward on the rest of our agenda to improve
    education and prepare America for the 21st century.