Thompson, Huffman, James, Scholten Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Pa.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), John James (R-Mich.), and Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the historic step this legislation took by mandating that every child with a disability in America be given equal access to a high-quality public education.
Enacted by Congress in 1975, IDEA enshrined the right to education for children with disabilities, which allowed millions of children to learn in a public-school classroom at no cost to their families.
“Fifty years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that every child with a disability has access to a high-quality education," Rep. Thompson said. "IDEA opened classroom doors, expanded opportunities, and transformed education for millions of students with disabilities. Today, we celebrate half a century of inclusive education that provided every child the opportunity to thrive.”
"Every child – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor –deserves the education they need to succeed," Rep. Huffman said. "50 years ago, Congress passed IDEA to transform classrooms for kids with disabilities and finally make that happen. Now, we won't stop pushing for full funding and fighting to ensure Congress delivers on this promise."
“Since President Ford signed it into law 50 years ago, IDEA has opened doors for millions of children with disabilities,” Rep. Scholten said. “I represent the same West Michigan seat that President Ford once held, and as the proud daughter of a special education teacher, I have seen how this law has transformed classrooms and strengthened opportunity for every child. It has allowed students to learn alongside their peers, participate fully in their communities, and pursue futures that were once out of reach. As we mark this anniversary, we must recommit to President Ford’s vision of investing in special education and ensuring every student has what they need to learn and thrive.”
The resolution is co-sponsored by the following U.S. Representatives: Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), Jack Bergman (R-Mich.-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.-24), Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.-27), John Mannion (D-N.Y.-22), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Emily Randall (D-Wash.-06), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif-01), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands), Laura Friedman (D-Calif-30), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.-08), James Moylan (R-Guam), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.-03), David Valadao (R-Calif.-22), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.).
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the resolution in the U.S. Senate.
“Since its passage 50 years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America," Senator Van Hollen said. "On IDEA’s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom. While we take stock of the progress that has been made because of this landmark legislation, I remain committed to the fight to fully fund IDEA – to move us closer to delivering greater, more equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country.”
“All children deserve an education that gives them the resources they need to reach their full potential,” Dr. Cassidy said. “By empowering parents to partner in their child’s education and equipping teachers with resources, IDEA ensures children with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.”
The resolution is endorsed by The School Superintendents Association (AASA), Council for Exceptional Children, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and National PTA.
“IDEA’s promise has always been about more than access – it's about opportunity. It opened doors to possibility, respect, and belonging for millions of students who had long been denied access to public education. It transformed what families could expect and reshaped what our schools could provide. But opportunity demands resources. As we reflect on 50 years of IDEA, we thank members of Congress for recognizing this important milestone and urge them to put forward the resources so we can continue to implement the law with fidelity,” said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
“Fifty years ago, Public Law 94 142 ignited a culture shift that affirmed the inherent potential and rights of children with disabilities. CEC's members have led the charge- opening school doors, designing curriculum and supports, and translating research into practice across the country. This week we honor that legacy and look forward with determination to building on that progress to improve education and outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities,” said Chad Rummel, Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children.
“Fifty years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is an incredibly important milestone and on behalf of the students, families, and educators we serve, I am privileged to remark on the tremendous progress that has been made in educating students with disabilities,” said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities. “We commend the bipartisan leadership in celebrating this anniversary and upholding the importance and significance of this federal law that ensures a free appropriate public education in the United States.”
Read the resolution.