Landmark Special Education Reform Bill Passes House

November 19, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve legislation that reforms special education policy and reauthorizes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA of 2004 Conference Report, H.R. 1350, was approved by the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 397-3. It is expected to be approved by the Senate later today or tomorrow and sent to President Bush for his signature.

“Educating children with special needs is a challenge that needs and deserves strong support from the federal government,” Dreier said. “But ultimately, it is the parents, teachers, and local officials who do the hard work. Federal policy should support their efforts, not hamper them. This bill reforms the IDEA so that parents are empowered, safety and discipline are top priorities, local resources are locally controlled, and costly paperwork and litigation are reduced. With less regulation to worry about, parents and teachers can get down to the real business of education - educating the students.”

The conference report approved today provides more opportunities for parental involvement and choice in special education, including allowing parents to change their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) without a formal IEP meeting. It also allows parents to choose supplemental educational services for their children with disabilities when their schools are in need of improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act. The bill further builds on the strong financial commitment the federal government has made to education over the past ten years, specifically the $11.1 billion approved for special education grants. Also included in the bill is significant relief from bureaucratic red tape and strong steps to reduce unnecessary and costly litigation.

Dreier applauded the work of his colleagues Education and Workforce Chairman John Boehner (R-OH), Ranking Member George Miller (D-CA), Education Reform Subcommittee Chairman Mike Castle (R-DE) and Ranking Member Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) on the conference report. “These members worked incredibly hard over the last two years to create a better, more efficient, and more effective IDEA. Their efforts will benefit millions of families across America.”