[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 198 (Wednesday, December 13, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SENIOR CITIZENS' RIGHT TO WORK ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 1995

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2684, the 
Senior Citizens Right to Work Act of which I am a cosponsor. This 
legislation increases the earnings limit of $30,000 by 2002. It is fair 
legislation. It is fair to the long-term solvency of the Social 
Security trust fund by offsetting costs within the program. And, most 
importantly, it is fair to working seniors, allowing seniors to 
continue to work without being denied their Social Security benefits.
  It is ludicrous that seniors in the work force are subject to this 
impractical and outdated procedure. Our seniors deserve more. It is 
time for Congress to vote for changes to this arachic practice of 
reducing Social Security benefits for seniors that continue to work 
after the age of 65. We are robbing seniors of their right to support 
themselves and live with dignity. In many instances seniors stay in the 
work force out of necessity, not choice, and should be allowed to earn 
more without losing a portion of their earned Social Security benefits. 
The earnings test harms those individuals who do not have supplemental 
pension income for their retirement and need to work. Therefore, we are 
penalizing seniors who are trying to be self sufficient rather than 
rewarding beneficiaries who continue to work.
  The Social Security earnings limit sends a message to the elderly 
community that we do not respect their ability to contribute in the 
work force after retirement. It is time to give seniors back their 
dignity. This Congress has already taken the first step with the 
passage of the Medicare Preservation Act which strengthens and protects 
the Medicare System and allows seniors access to the same type of 
health care services as offered to all Americans. By increasing the 
earnings limit to $30,000 by the year 2002 seniors will be able to hold 
up their heads as they continue to work without fear of losing their 
earned Social Security benefits.

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