One of the most important gifts we can give our children is an education that allows them to learn, develop and ultimately succeed.  We cannot allow a "wait to fail" mentality to define special education in our country.  Too often, students with disabilities are victims of low expectations.  All children should receive a quality education, including those with disabilities who have different needs from "mainstream" students. 

I have supported increases in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding of more than $6.5 billion since 1996.  H.R. 1350, which reauthorizes IDEA calls for an additional increase of $2.2 billion in 2004 over this year's level, followed by another $2.5 billion in 2005, an increase of $4.7 billion in grant monies over the next two years. 

Delaying IDEA reauthorization is not in anyone's best interest.  It is my hope that disagreements over the Senate version of the bill and provisions regarding "highly qualified" teachers can be resolved quickly.