[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   INCREASING INCOME FOR THE DISABLED

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today as a cosponsor of S. 
1054. This legislation, introduced by Senator Cochran, gives greater 
opportunity to disabled workers.
  In a nation professing to honor and reward hard work, I find it 
distressing that individuals able and, more importantly, willing to 
work do not receive all the benefits they are entitled to. Presently, 
disabled individuals can maintain Social Security benefits only if they 
do not earn a substantial amount. For the disabled, this amount is $500 
per month, or $6000 per year. Blind individuals, however, are able to 
earn nearly twice as much without diminished benefits; nearly $12,000 
per year. This discrepancy is wrong.
  During the 104th Congress, the Senate acted on legislation expanding 
senior citizens ability to work. The Senate passed the ``Senior 
Citizens' Right to Work Act of 1996'' by unanimous consent. This 
legislation, which I was proud to support, allows seniors to retain 
more of their Social Security benefits even if they continue to work. 
By the year 2002, seniors will be able to earn up to $30,000 in outside 
income without penalty. I see no reason why the Senate can extend the 
earnings limit to seniors and the blind, but does not extend the 
ability for greater income to the disabled. I urge my colleagues to 
support this legislation and correct this outstanding 
deficiency.

                          ____________________