[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 207 (Friday, December 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S19181-S19182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST--S. 1407

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, on another matter, I ask unanimous consent 
that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 
282, S. 1407, which would amend the Social Security Act to provide for 
increases in the amount of allowable earnings under the Social Security 
earnings limit for individuals who have reached retirement age.
  I further ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a 
third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, 
and that any statements relating to this matter appear in the Record at 
the appropriate place.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, there are a large number of colleagues on 
our side of the aisle who would like the opportunity to have a good 
debate about the issue and perhaps offer amendments. So, on their 
behalf, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I, of course, understand the objection on 
the part of the distinguished Democratic leader.
  I point out that we have been on this issue now for many years. It 
has been through the Finance Committee.
  It is an outrage and an insult to the seniors of this country when we 
know--and they know--that their Medicare premiums, among other 
expenses, are going up, and we will not give them this simple relief.
  I say to my friends on the other side of the aisle that I have not 
quit on this issue in 9 years. I am not quitting on it. From now on, 
every single bill that is before this body is going to have it as an 
amendment, unless we take it up as freestanding.
  This is a terrible disservice to the seniors of this Nation not to 
lift this 

[[Page S19182]]
earnings test. It is an anachronism left over from the Depression era.
  Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Roth, and I want to thank 
Senator Moynihan for his efforts. I thank the distinguished majority 
leader for his efforts.
  This issue is not going away. We owe it to the seniors of this 
country. It is a terrible disservice not to pass this legislation at 
this time, although I certainly understand why the other side might 
object.
  We could have passed this long ago. I hope that we can do it as soon 
as possible beginning next year.

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