[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 11996-11997]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HELPING AMERICAN SENIORS MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page 11997]]


  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Census Bureau 
estimates that more than 36 million Americans are over the age of 65, 
making them members of the fastest growing age group in our country. 
Under the able leadership of Chairman Buck McKeon, House Republicans 
are working to ensure the quality and effectiveness of Federal programs 
designed to help America's elderly.
  Today, I am proud to speak in support of the Senior Independence Act 
of 2006, which proposes several necessary reforms to help older 
individuals avoid institutional care, improve their health services, 
and have access to employment-based training programs. By reviewing and 
modernizing programs established over 50 years ago, we are helping to 
ensure that America's government programs actually address the needs of 
today's seniors.
  This bill will help ensure America's seniors live healthier and 
happier lives.
  In conclusion, our sympathies are with the families of Private Thomas 
Tucker and Private Kristian Menchaca. God bless our troops, and we will 
never forget September 11.

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