Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords' recent decision to declare his independence, leave the Republican Party, and caucus with Senate Democrats bodes well for IDEA funding.

Jeffords made clear that he was pleased by the Democrats' insistence that President Bush add enough extra money to the education reform bill to provide full funding for the disability programs that have been his top priority. "This was a most reassuring moment," Jeffords said. "We came together and began to understand how much we had in common, and that we would all be working together toward a common goal to help the kids. I am sure now that when we meet in changing circumstances, this is one area where we're going to move forward rapidly to get a good bill."

The Senate is expected to spend a couple of more weeks on the education bill, working its way through hundreds of proposed amendments before it can approve the measure. At that point, negotiators will have to resolve differences between that bill and a less expensive House version. The House bill does not include the extra money for programs for disabled and poor children.

"If we are able to get the funding, I think this will be an historic achievement," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat. "If we are not going to get to the funding for these children, I think we'll have a very important missed opportunity."  House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas predicted that the final education bill would turn out to Kennedy's liking, now that the Senate shift ensures that Democrats, particularly Kennedy, will be among the negotiators on the education bill.