A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
May 14, 1997

Contact: Jim Bradshaw
(202) 401-1576

STATEMENT OF SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RICHARD W. RILEY ON THE CONGRESSIONAL PASSAGE OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

I commend the Senate for today's strong, bipartisan vote (98 to 1) in support of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (IDEA). The vote, like the vote in the House (420 to 3), speaks for itself, and reflects the successful effort of many parties to find common ground on difficult and sometimes contentious issues.

Members on both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats, have worked very hard with the Administration to make this agreement possible. This effort to improve education of children with disabilities has the full support of the Administration, and I expect the President to sign the legislation into law in the immediate future.

I am pleased by the strong focus on teaching and learning, and the balanced effort to protect the safety of all children, while maintaining the essential rights and protections for children with disabilities. I believe the new emphasis on mediation will give parents of disabled children and school authorities a new, constructive and positive way to resolve conflicts.

This is a great day for American education and a great day for the millions of children -- disabled and non disabled -- who will now have greater opportunities to learn to their full potential.

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