[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 155 (Wednesday, December 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CALLING FOR DIGNITY, COMFORT, AND SUPPORT FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise in proud support of H. 
Con. Res. 323, a resolution supporting the goal of ensuring that all 
Holocaust survivors in the United States are able to live with dignity, 
comfort, and security in their remaining years. Following the tragic 
and unforgivable circumstances of their youth, these survivors came to 
the United States seeking a better life. They found a new home here in 
America, and it is our duty to provide for their well-being as best we 
can.
  Over 127,000 Holocaust survivors live in the United States, about 
three-fourths of whom are in their 80s and 90s, and a majority of whom 
live alone. Sadly, more than half of these survivors fall beneath the 
200-percent threshold for the federal poverty line, meaning they earn 
less than $21,660 a year. In fact, Holocaust survivors are five times 
more likely to be living below the poverty line than other older 
Americans. My constituents in South Florida are not immune from this 
reality, and they need our support.
  Holocaust survivors have special needs that would greatly benefit 
from access to social service programs that would enable them to age in 
place in their current residences, with access to transportation and 
other services to ensure their health and well-being. This legislation 
encourages the Department of Health and Human Services and the 
Administration on Aging to expeditiously develop and implement programs 
that ensure Holocaust survivors have access to the care they need and 
deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand with so many of my colleagues on 
this important resolution, and I applaud the efforts of the many 
nonprofit organizations and agencies which work tirelessly to honor and 
assist Holocaust survivors throughout the United States. Freedom and 
liberty, justice and human rights--these are the values represented by 
the survivors of the Holocaust. We have a moral obligation to 
acknowledge their plight and uphold their dignity to ensure their well-
being in their remaining years.
  I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this worthy 
legislation.

                          ____________________