Van Hollen Introduces the Keep Our Pact Act

Van Hollen Introduces the Keep Our Pact Act

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today introduced the Keep Our Promises to America's Children and Teachers (PACT) Act. This legislation would fully fund the law known as No Child Left Behind as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and give every child access to a first-rate education.

President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act into law in 2001, but has failed to adequately fund it. The President's proposed FY2004 budget falls $9 billion short of the amount called for in the No Child Left Behind legislation.

"Once again, I am proud to make the Keep Our PACT Act the very first piece of legislation I introduce this Congress," said Van Hollen. "This legislation will help meet the aspirations of our nation's school children - and help provide their teachers and schools with the resources they need to help them achieve those aspirations. The Keep Our PACT Act is a reminder to those of us in government of the importance of keeping our promises and of truly making education a priority."

When federal special education legislation, known as IDEA, was first passed in 1975, Congress called for the federal government to provide 40 percent of the additional costs associated with educating students with disabilities. However, the federal government currently funds only about 18 percent of special education costs. The Van Hollen legislation would ensure that the federal government would be obligated to fully fund special education.

Van Hollen's bill has 55 original cosponsors, including Congressman George Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

http://vanhollen.house.gov/HoR/MD08/Newsroom/Press+Release+by+Date/2007/01-23-07+Van+Hollen+Introduces+the+Keep+Our+Pact+Act.htm