Introduction of the Everyone Deserves Unconditional Access to Education (EDUCATE) Act Mandatory Full Funding for Idea Bipartisan Compromise Bill

INTRODUCTION OF THE EVERYONE DESERVES UNCONDITIONAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION (EDUCATE) ACT MANDATORY FULL FUNDING FOR IDEA BIPARTISAN COMPROMISE BILL

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Everyone Deserves Unconditional Access to Education Act, a bill to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I thank my colleagues, Representatives FERGUSON and HOOLEY, for their work on this bill.

* Madam Speaker, it was more than 30 years ago that Congress passed IDEA, requiring states to provide an appropriate education to students with special needs. At that time, Congress promised states that it would cover 40 percent of the costs to meet this goal. However, Congress has yet to fulfill its promise to states. In fact, Congress has never met even half of its commitment. This is unacceptable.

* The bill I introduce today with Representatives FERGUSON and HOOLEY will fulfill our promise to states with guaranteed funding increases for IDEA every year. It will relieve the burden on states and ensure a quality education for all special needs students. And it will restore the integrity of this Congress by ensuring that a promise made is a promise kept.

* Madam Speaker, states and students have waited more than 30 years for Congress to fulfill its pledge. I encourage members from both sides of the aisle to join with Representatives FERGUSON, HOOLEY, and me to support our schools and provide our students with the resources they need.

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