[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10653-S10654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL EMPLOY OLDER WORKERS WEEK

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of National 
Employ Older Workers Week, celebrated September 24-30, 2006. All too 
often we concentrate only on the social and economic challenges that 
the rapidly increasing numbers of older Americans present this Nation. 
This week's designation provides the opportunity to highlight the vital 
role that older workers can and do play in fostering a competitive 
economy through their workplace contributions.
  As the baby boomer generation has begun to reach traditional 
retirement

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age, this mature workforce is breaking down the negative stereotypes 
that cast older workers as frail, unproductive, and resistant to 
technological advances. Today's older generation of Americans has 
persevered through economic hard times and flourished in prosperity, 
endured war and enjoyed peace, and embraced more dramatic technological 
advances in science, medicine, transportation and communications than 
any other generation in our history. This breadth of experience should 
be viewed as a valuable asset bridging this country's past and future. 
National Employ Older Workers Week is our opportunity to recognize the 
wealth of experience older Americans have acquired and can contribute 
to the 21st century workplace, as well as the importance of work in 
helping seniors maintain their independence, health, and well--being.
  Mr. President, I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognition of 
National Employ Older Workers Week. As chairman of the Senate Special 
Committee on Aging, I look forward to working with my colleagues to 
encourage the hiring and retention of older workers. We honor these 
workers for their experience and the contributions they have made 
throughout their lifetimes, and look forward to their continued 
contributions to our country's prosperity. .

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