The United States has within its national laws, legislation that addresses the need for providing physical education to handicapped children. The constitution of each state cites provisions for the education of its citizens. The United States federal government's role is to ensure that all citizens are included in this process. When abuse and or neglect is determined, the federal government can and should provide the direction und appropriations to effect change within the states. Certainly, the education of handicapped children is but one example of federal impact (Churton 1988). This paper is concerned with the nature, scope and purpose of major United States federal legislation that affects handicapped children relative to the provision of appropriate physical education services.