This position statement focuses on the importance of the federal role in the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and why federal involvement matters. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) recognizes the crucial role that the federal government has played in the education of students with disabilities. CEC is committed to ensuring students with disabilities continue to be guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. CEC believes in a strong federal role in the education of students with disabilities, which includes a robust and durable U.S. Department of Education.