[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 32 (Thursday, February 17, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE PENSION RIGHTS CENTER

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today is a doubly special day. February 17 
is the 46th anniversary of the founding of the Pension Rights Center. 
February 17 is also the birthday of Karen Ferguson, the long-time 
director of the Pension Rights Center, who passed away recently.
  The Pension Rights Center as helmed by Ms. Ferguson was known as a 
tireless advocate for the right of workers and senior citizens to enjoy 
a dignified and secure retirement. Their passion for retirement 
security is something that I have also shared since the 1970s, when I 
helped to found the Oregon Gray Panthers, an organization dedicated to 
improving the lives of senior citizens. The support of the Pension 
Rights Center and Ms. Ferguson was instrumental in the passage of 
recent legislation such as the Setting Every Community Up for 
Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 and the financial assistance program 
for distressed multiemployer pension plans in the American Rescue Plan 
Act.
  On this double anniversary, I urge my colleagues to reflect on the 
progress that has been made so far in improving retirement security in 
the United States and to double down in our efforts to fight for 
further improvement.

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