[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           LET'S END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AMERICA'S SENIORS

                                 ______


                             HON. ROD GRAMS

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in 
support of this discharge petition for repeal of the earnings test.
  Today, Members of this body have the opportunity to end 
discrimination against the backbone of this country.
  All across America, doors of American business having been padlocked 
and signs have been hung in windows saying, ``Seniors Need Not Apply.''
  Because of the Social Security earnings test, seniors are being 
discouraged from staying in the workplace. And what a loss that is.
  By taking their benefits and making it difficult for seniors to 
accept work, Congress is robbing American business of years of 
experience and skill.
  It's wrong, and it's blatant discrimination against 700,000 thousand 
older Americans.
  The ``Older Americans' Freedom to Work Act'' pries open those long-
closed doors and keeps seniors on the job by repealing the earnings 
test.
  We recognized the importance of this provision when we included 
repeal of the earnings test in our Families First legislation which 
later became the centerpiece for the Republican Budget alternative.
  It's time now to get a vote on the earnings test, and that's just 
what this discharge petition will do.
  Let's repeal the earnings test, and replace ``Seniors Encouraged to 
Apply'' signs with ``Help Wanted--Seniors Encouraged to Apply.

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