DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ASSISTANCE AND BILL OF RIGHTS ACT OF 2000 --
(Extensions of Remarks - July 27, 2000)
[Page: E1386]
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SPEECH OF
HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING
OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, July 25, 2000
- Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4920, the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. The
legislation would improve service systems for individuals with disabilities,
including state developmental disability councils that assist individuals with
disabilities, protection and advocacy systems for individuals with
disabilities, and university affiliated programs for research and public
service programs. I am pleased to see that others here in Congress are taking
up this fight, particularly Rep. Rick Lazio, the sponsor of this
legislation we are now considering.
- Rep. Lazio has done an outstanding job of bringing the need for
this legislation to the attention of Members. Under his leadership, H.R. 4920
has been crafted to provide many quality services for individuals with
disabilities. Mr. Lazio's bill builds upon the programs in current
law to create a well-rounded approach toward assisting individuals with
disabilities.
- I also find it very appropriate that we consider this legislation on the
10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In its ten years, the
ADA has done much to improve the daily lives of individuals with disabilities.
The ADA has helped move these individuals into the mainstream of American
life.
- The Committee I chair has jurisdiction over several laws that provide
assistance and protections for individuals with disabilities, including the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently
fought for improved programs and funding for individuals with
disabilities.
- I am particularly pleased with the increases in funding for IDEA that we
have seen over the past five years, although we still have a long way to
go.
- I am pleased to support this bill.
END