WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House voted to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) through FY 2011 nearly unanimously. The primary purpose of IDEA is to guarantee that special-needs children are able to obtain a free public education in the “least restrictive environment,” with each child being provided an “individualized education plan”. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) voted in favor of the reauthorization and issued the following statement.

“The reauthorization passed today marks a good compromise by House and Senate negotiators. I am pleased to see the two bodies work in a bipartisan manner to not just reauthorize this landmark education bill, but strengthen provisions for better identifying children who have disabilities, getting help to students earlier, boosting discipline in classrooms, reducing paperwork burdens for teachers, and cutting down on litigation between parents and school districts.

“The debate over special education, however, is not over. To truly strengthen IDEA means to fully fund this invaluable program. This compromise calls for greater funding by 2011, holding to the requirements outlined in the original 1975 law. Until IDEA is fully funded, I will work to ensure this goal is met.”