[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SENIOR INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5293, the 
``Senior Independence Act of 2006,'' reauthorizing the Older Americans 
Act. This is an important measure for our Nation's seniors in 
delivering nutrition services, supportive services, and caregiver 
services. I am particularly appreciative of the bipartisan manner in 
which this measure was crafted by Chairman Tiberi and Ranking Member 
Hinojosa, and thank them specifically for improvements in the law which 
would help to target individuals with limited English proficiency.
  Though the bill offers valuable resources for our Nation's seniors, 
one area where I believe we can continue to make strides is in 
capitalizing on the experience older Americans can share with their 
communities. I have introduced legislation to establish a ``Silver 
Scholarship'' program--H.R. 5275--based on President Bush's 2001 
proposal to reward seniors for their volunteer service. The Silver 
Scholarship program would provide an educational award to any senior, 
age 55 and older, who dedicates a set number of hours each year to 
volunteering in their communities. The educational award, or ``Silver 
Scholarship,'' would be fully transferable to a family member or any 
other deserving individual to help them pursue postsecondary education.
  The first of the 77 million baby boomers turn 60 this year. This new 
``senior'' population is the largest, healthiest, best educated 
population of older Americans in our history. Baby boomers are pioneers 
in a new stage spanning the decades between middle and late life, and 
represent an extraordinary pool of social and human capital. This 
initiative would foster senior service and invest in the education of 
the next generation of America's workforce.
  While I understand this provision was not included in the reported 
version of H.R. 5293, I look forward to working with my colleagues as 
the process moves forward in the hopes that this worthy bipartisan 
initiative be promoted through our efforts.

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