[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       SENIORS SAFETY ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, crimes and abuses against senors have 
become an increasing problem in America. From physical assault to 
health care fraud and telemarketing scams, which cost Americans 
approximately $40 billion per year, our seniors are being abused 
physically and financially. Such abuses take place intentionally, but 
also in the form of neglect. For example, seniors in nursing homes 
often fail to receive the care and medications they need--an alarming 
occurrence considering that some experts estimate that over 40 percent 
of seniors will need some form of nursing care.
  This is why I, along with Representatives Udall and Hoeffel, am 
introducing the Seniors Safety Act of 1999. This bill represents a 
comprehensive solution to the problems I've just described. It takes a 
two-pronged approach--prevention and punishment--to crimes against 
seniors, including health care fraud, injury, telemarketing scams, 
nursing home neglect.
  In addressing prevention, the bill directs the Attorney General to 
conduct a study of what crimes are committed, what the risk factors 
are, and what strategies can prevent future occurrences. From that 
information, we can create real solutions to this ever-increasing 
problem. The bill also directs the Sentencing Commission to determine 
whether enhanced punishments would deter such crimes from recurring.
  We are facing a crisis in this country--a crisis of abuse and neglect 
of America's seniors. With this legislation, we can work in a 
bipartisan manner with our colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure 
that they are not taken advantage of anymore.

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