[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2377]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 2377]]

              SENIOR CITIZENS' FREEDOM TO WORK ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2000

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
H.R. 5, the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act.
  As the Representative of Florida's 10th Congressional District, which 
is home to one of our nation's largest population of seniors, I have 
consistently supported legislation to eliminate the unfair earnings 
limit placed on seniors. In fact, one of the first bills I introduced 
as a member of this body was an act to repeal the Social Security 
earnings limit.
  This outdated law discourages older Americans from working during 
their golden years, and penalizes the most experienced workers in our 
nation at a time when many small businesses are searching for qualified 
employees. The earnings limit unfairly taxes older Americans and at the 
same time hampers an economy already limited by a lack of workers. I 
firmly believe our nation will only benefit from the skills and 
experience of older employees, and this House should welcome their 
contributions to society and the economy.
  Mr. Speaker, the earnings limit is an insult to the dignity of all 
seniors who wish to continue to work and receive their Social Security 
benefit. So many retirees want the freedom to work and support 
themselves. Many want to supplement their incomes in order to increase 
their standard of living. Others need to work in order to offset the 
high cost of prescription drugs. Regardless of the reason, seniors who 
wish to continue to work should be able to do so without being 
penalized, and I am proud that today the House is taking action to 
eliminate this unfair roadblock that stands between older Americans and 
their desire to continue working.
  Mr. Speaker, it is time to repeal this antiquated law and restore 
freedom to older Americans everywhere.

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