[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 169 (Saturday, December 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 H.R. 5987, THE SENIORS PROTECTION ACT

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                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 17, 2010

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
5987, the Seniors Protection Act.
  H.R. 5987 would provide a one-time payment of $250 to 54 million 
American seniors, retired and disabled veterans, and disabled 
individuals.
  Due to low inflation rates, there has not been a COLA, or cost of 
living adjustment, in an unprecedented two years. But that doesn't mean 
America's seniors aren't hurting. In the absence of a COLA this modest 
payment will help America's seniors weather these tough economic times.
  In today's economy seniors are confronted by loss of pension income 
and retirement savings, high prescription drug costs, and reduced 
access to affordable housing.
  While Republican politicians turn a blind eye to seniors and defend 
America's millionaires club, the leaders in the Democratic Party 
continue to work for the dignity of older Americans.
  The Seniors Protection Act is another effort in the time tested 
tradition of the Democratic Party defending the rights and interests of 
America's senior citizens.
  We are the party that established Medicare and Social Security, and 
last year instituted the Seniors Task Force to continue the work the 
Democrats have done on behalf of seniors.
  If not for Social Security assistance, more than 13 million low-
income elderly Americans would fall into destitution.
  With so many seniors this close to the poverty line, you can be sure 
that this payment--while small--will have a significant impact on the 
economic security of millions.
  Aside from the import this will have on America's seniors, studies 
show that disbursements of this nature are a very effective economic 
stimulus.
  When Social Security beneficiaries received $250 payments as part of 
the 2009 Recovery Act, 125,000 jobs were created or saved.
  We have an opportunity here to make immediate, tangible improvements 
to both the lives of millions of seniors and the American economy. 
Please join me, and my colleagues on the Seniors Task Force in 
supporting H.R. 5987--The Seniors Protection Act.

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