Analysis of six federal government studies on deinstitutionalization is followed by a discussion of initiatives enacted by the 95th Congress and proposals under consideration in the 96th. Among studies described are reports by the U.S. Government Accounting Office ("Returning the Mentally Disabled to the Community: Government Needs to Do More"); Congressional Budget Office ("Long Term Care for the Elderly and Disabled"); President's Commission on Mental Health; National Institute for Mental Health ("Comprehensive Community Support Systems Demonstration Program"); Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Task Force on Deinstitutionalization; and the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals. Among the initiatives of the 95th Congress cited are The Developmental Disabilities Amendments, congregate housing services, and use of resources from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Proposals before the 96th Congress are said to include social services support, National Health Insurance, and work incentives under Supplemental Security Income and Disability Insurance. Also considered are issues in funding small group residences as Intermediate Care Facilities and a health care support proposal put forth by the National Association of Retarded Citizens and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. (CL)