[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20802]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL EMPLOY THE OLDER WORKER WEEK

  (Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight that we are 
currently celebrating National Employ the Older Worker Week. This week, 
which is sponsored by the American Legion, has been observed for over 
40 years. It is appropriate to recognize and appreciate this growing 
demographic workforce.
  After all, our country is witnessing major growth in the number of 
Americans that are nearing the traditional retirement age. It is 
estimated that by 2008 nearly half of the workforce will be over 45 
years old.
  As our population continues to grow older, these citizens will play 
an even more important role in our economy. Older workers bring many 
assets to the workplace, including good work ethics, motivation, 
experience, and knowledge. My hat goes off to our older workers who are 
learning new skills and are exercising the many skills they already 
know in order to give back to society.
  I am a firm believer that every single person at any age has certain 
gifts and talents from God. I am pleased our older workers are 
committed to sharing their talents with others. It is my hope that 
employers around the country will continue to recognize the many 
benefits of hiring older workers and expand job opportunities for these 
fine citizens.

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