[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H8524-H8525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF AARP

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1464) recognizing and honoring the 
50th anniversary of the founding of AARP.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1464

       Whereas AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with 
     over 40 million members that is dedicated to improving the 
     quality of life of people 50 and over as they age;
       Whereas AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a 
     retired educator from

[[Page H8525]]

     California, around the principles of promoting independence, 
     dignity and purpose for older Americans and encouraging 
     current and future generations ``To Serve, not to be 
     served'';
       Whereas AARP's vision is ``A society in which everyone ages 
     with dignity and purpose and in which AARP helps people 
     fulfill their goals and dreams'';
       Whereas AARP's mission is dedicated to enhancing the 
     quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social 
     change and delivering value to members through information, 
     advocacy, and service;
       Whereas AARP's nonpartisan advocacy activities help 
     millions of individuals participate in the Nation's 
     legislative, judicial, and administrative processes;
       Whereas AARP is a trusted source of reliable information on 
     health, financial security, and other important issues of the 
     50+ population;
       Whereas AARP provides an opportunity for volunteerism and 
     service for its millions of members to better their families, 
     communities, and the Nation;
       Whereas AARP Services is a leader in the marketplace by 
     being a force influencing companies to offer new and better 
     services for AARP's members;
       Whereas AARP Foundation, its philanthropic arm, delivers 
     information, education, and direct service program to the 
     most vulnerable age 50+ Americans;
       Whereas AARP Foundation's Tax Aide, the Nation's largest, 
     free, volunteer-run tax preparation program has helped over 
     40 million low- and middle-income taxpayers;
       Whereas AARP Foundation's job placement program has helped 
     over 400,000 low-income older Americans find jobs, giving 
     them purpose and dignity;
       Whereas AARP's Driver Safety Program has helped over 10 
     million old drivers sharpen their driving skills; and
       Whereas, in 2008, its 50th anniversary, AARP renews its 
     commitment to improving the quality of life for all older 
     Americans and helping people of all generations fulfill their 
     goals and dreams: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and 
     commends AARP for 50 years of outstanding service, promoting 
     the lives and retirement security of older persons age 50 and 
     older, and to future generations for aging Americans.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days 
during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert 
extraneous material on House Resolution 1464 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and privilege that I rise in 
support of House Resolution 1464 in commemoration and recognition of 
the AARP's 50th anniversary.
  In what started as a campaign to obtain affordable health care for 
retired teachers, AARP founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, began a movement 
dedicated to serving and advocating for its nearly 40 million members 
and all Americans over the age of 50. For the past 50 years, the AARP 
has advocated tirelessly to address the needs of the elderly, 
contributing immensely to the greater well-being of some of our most 
vulnerable citizens.
  During this time, the AARP has also provided trusted research and 
information that continues to shape public policy. This national 
organization exemplifies the ideals of service and advocacy, and has 
been a tremendous force in enhancing opportunities for older Americans 
in their search for quality health care, pension and retirement 
security, financial and overall well-being.
  In addition, I would also like to thank and congratulate AARP's CEO, 
Bill Novelli and the countless volunteers and staff for their 
leadership and commitment to furthering the organization's mission of a 
healthy and secure elderly population in the United States. I would 
like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the AARP for 
their exceptional dedication and service, and I wish this organization 
continued success in years to come.
  I urge the adoption of this resolution, and reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague from California in 
support of House Resolution 1464, recognizing and honoring the 50th 
anniversary of the founding of the AARP. While I urge my colleagues to 
support this resolution, I must also remind all of my colleagues that 
we, in Congress, must do our part to serve our constituents over the 
age of 50 by approving an all-of-the-above comprehensive energy package 
that will put our Nation on the path to energy independence, a real 
energy policy, and not one that just pays lip service to parts and 
parcel of energy policy, one that really looks at solving our energy 
problems going forward.
  With that, I would say that I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution, and I urge my Democratic colleagues to work with us across 
the aisle and to serve those constituents that the AARP serves in 
approving essential energy policy as well.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. I yield back.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor 
and privilege that I rise in support of H. Res. 1464, in commemoration 
and recognition of the AARP's 50th anniversary of providing outstanding 
service and advocacy on the behalf of America's aging citizens.
  In what started as a campaign to attain affordable healthcare for 
retired teachers, AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus began a movement that 
has become a committed organization championing the needs of nearly 40 
million members and all Americans over the age of 50.
  The AARP has enjoyed 50 years of nonpartisan advocacy for consumer 
rights, has provided trusted research and information that continues to 
shape public policy, and has addressed consumer needs of the elderly, 
contributing immensely to the greater necessities of some of our most 
vulnerable citizens.
  This national organization exemplifies the ideals of service and 
outreach, and has been a tremendous force in enhancing opportunities 
for older Americans in their search for quality healthcare, pension and 
retirement security, financial and overall well-being.
  I would like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to the 
AARP for their exceptional dedication and service, and I wish this 
organization continued success in the great work that they do for years 
to come.
  I would also like to thank and congratulate AARP's CEO, Bill Novelli, 
and the countless volunteers and staff, for their leadership and 
commitment to furthering the organization's mission of a healthy and 
secure elderly population in the United States.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this 
resolution, and yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1464.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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