U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Chris Van Hollen have introduced a resolution marking the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The resolution aims to recognize the significant changes IDEA has brought to education for children with disabilities.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Jared Huffman, Glenn Thompson, Hillary Scholten, and John James.
Dr. Cassidy stated, “All children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential. By empowering parents to partner in their child’s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.”
Senator Van Hollen added, “Since its passage fifty years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America. On IDEA’s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom. While we take stock of the progress that has been made because of this landmark legislation, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA – to move us closer to delivering greater, more equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country.”
Representative Huffman said, "Every child – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor –deserves the education they need to succeed. 50 years ago, Congress passed IDEA to transform classrooms for kids with disabilities and finally make that happen. Now, we won't stop pushing for full funding and fighting to ensure Congress delivers on this promise."
Representative Thompson commented on how IDEA has changed educational opportunities: “Fifty years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that every child with a disability has access to a high-quality education. IDEA opened classroom doors, expanded opportunities, and transformed education for millions of students with disabilities. Today, we celebrate half a century of inclusive education that provided every child the opportunity to thrive.”
The Senate resolution is supported by several organizations including AASA (The School Superintendents Association), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Council for Exceptional Children, National Center for Learning Disabilities, and National PTA.
Additional senators co-sponsoring include Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WW), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren(D-MA ), Sheldon Whitehouse(D-RI ), and Ron Wyden(D-OR ).
In addition to those named above from both chambers of Congress sponsoring or supporting this effort are Alma Adams(D-NC ), Don Bacon(R-NE ), Dina Titus(D-NV ), Emily Randall(D-WA ), Brian Fitzpatrick(R-PA ), Gabe Evans(R-CO ), Kevin Hern(R-OK ), Jack Bergman(R-MI ), Janelle Bynum(D-OR ), Kevin Kiley(R-CA ), Kimberlyn King-Hinds(R-Northern Mariana Islands ), Raja Krishnamoorthi(D-IL ), Doug LaMalfa(R-CA ), Julie Fedorchak(R-N D ) Laura Friedman(D-C A ) , John Mannion(D -NY ) , James Moylan( R -Guam ) , Maria Elvira Salazar( R -FL ) , Claudia Tenney( R -NY ) , David Valadao( R -CA ).
For more information about ongoing work from HELP Republicans visit their official website or Twitter account @GOPHELP.
