[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2846]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES

  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, as I have traveled throughout Rhode 
Island, I have heard from countless constituents about the sacrifices 
they have made during these difficult economic times. Many of my 
constituents have adjusted to the economic climate by cutting back on 
extras and finding savings where they can.
  For seniors living on a limited budget, however, simply cutting back 
is not an option. I have heard from seniors who have turned off the 
heat in their homes because oil prices are so high. I have heard from 
others who are splitting pills and skipping doses because they cannot 
afford to refill a prescription. These are seniors who have worked hard 
their whole lives, paid into the system, and believed that they would 
be able to grow old comfortably. Instead, many are barely scraping by 
on Social Security benefits that no longer cover their daily living 
expenses.
  Last Wednesday, the Senate had the opportunity to provide some extra 
help for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who rely 
on Social Security. We voted on an amendment offered by Senator 
Sanders, which I cosponsored, that would have provided an extra $250 
payment to Social Security beneficiaries. The payment would have been 
an extension of the financial assistance I successfully fought for as 
part of the economic recovery package last year, and these funds would 
plow right through into our economy to help further stimulate demand 
and economic recovery. Unfortunately, this year, the amendment failed 
to receive enough votes for passage.
  Although a $250 payment may not sound like much to some, for those on 
a limited budget the extra financial assistance provides peace of mind 
amid skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs. The payment 
would provide added relief for the millions of older Americans who, for 
the first time since 1975, did not receive a cost-of-living adjustment 
in their Social Security benefits. Without some extra help, these 
beneficiaries are hard-pressed to make ends meet.
  Just ask Jackie, a North Smithfield resident, who has seen her health 
insurance premiums increase by double digits this past year and the 
cost of her prescription drugs continue to rise. At a time when every 
penny counts, Jackie says the winter months are particularly hard for 
her. When Jackie hears the oil truck drive by, she cringes knowing that 
the cost of heating her home is another bill she simply cannot afford.
  I also heard from Edward, a senior living in Warren, who is worried 
how he will make ends meet without the increase in his Social Security 
benefit. In recent months, he is seen his car and home insurance 
increase by $200, and other daily living costs, such as heating oil, 
gas, and groceries, rise significantly. In these tough times, Edward 
could just use a little help. He writes, ``I just don't understand why 
Congress cannot do something to help seniors at least maintain a status 
quo.''
  Linda, a Rhode Islander from Providence, survives on only $500 a 
month. Like so many older Americans, Linda takes multiple prescriptions 
every day. The out-of-pocket costs for her prescriptions add up, even 
on Medicare. Between her medical costs, food, heating, and other daily 
expenses, she can barely make ends meet. Linda would welcome any 
financial assistance she can get, so that she can save for copayments 
for visits to the doctor which she knows she will soon need. Linda says 
she is disappointed that the Senate does not realize how desperately 
seniors need added financial help.
  Like Linda, I am disappointed by the vote this past Wednesday. My 
colleagues failed to act on an opportunity to help our seniors when 
they need it the most; at a time when just a little help would go a 
long way.
  For Jackie, Edward, Linda, and seniors across our country facing 
similar challenges, I will continue fighting to assist older Americans 
during these difficult economic times. I urge my colleagues join me in 
standing by our Nation's seniors.

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