[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 48]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 48]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

                       THE NOTCH BABY ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 3, 2001

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I am again introducing legislation 
to assist the over 6 million senior citizens who have been negatively 
impacted by the Social Security Amendments of 1977. Seniors born 
between the years of 1917 and 1926--the Notch Babies--have received 
lower Social Security monthly payments than those seniors born shortly 
before or after this ten year period. My legislation, the Notch Baby 
Health Care Relief Act, will offset the reduction in Social Security 
benefits by providing a tax credit for Medicare Part B premiums.
  The approach taken in this bill is different than taken by my Notch 
Baby Act of 2001 or in any other Notch bill that has been introduced. 
This legislation is particularly noteworthy because it was suggested to 
me by one of my constituents--adjust Medicare Part B premiums for 
senior citizens born between the years 1917 and 1926, their spouses and 
their widows or widowers. The bill also eliminates the Medicare Part B 
premium late enrollment penalty for these individuals.
  As health care expenses can take up a large portion of a senior's 
retirement income, this tax credit can go a long way to both correct 
the inequity caused by the Notch and to help seniors meet their health 
care needs. I urge my colleagues to review the Notch Baby Health Care 
Relief Act, to discuss this legislation with the seniors in their 
districts, and to join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.

                          ____________________