Statements On Introduced Bills And Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Kohl, and Ms. Snowe):

S. 795. A bill to amend the Social Security Act to enhance the social security of the Nation by ensuring adequate public-private infrastructure and to resolve to prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today, Senator Blanche Lincoln, Senator Herb Kohl, Senator Olympia Snowe and I will be introducing the Elder Justice Act. The Elder Justice Act we are introducing today was reported by the Senate Finance Committee during the last Congress. In fact, this legislation has been introduced consistently since the 107th Congress. Additionally, it has been reported unanimously by the Finance Committee during the last three Congresses.

I want to express my gratitude to Senator Blanche Lincoln, the other lead sponsor of the Elder Justice Act. Senator Lincoln's strong commitment to reducing elder abuse has made a tremendous difference. It has been a pleasure to work with her on this important legislation.

In addition, I want to acknowledge the other original cosponsors of this bill, Senator Herb Kohl and Senator Olympia Snowe. Over the years, Senator Kohl has been strong supporter of this legislation and, as Chairman of the Select Committee on Aging, his support has been greatly appreciated by me. Senator Snowe has been a strong supporter of the Elder Justice Act for many years.

The Elder Justice Coalition, headed by Bob Blancato, also has been a great ally of the Elder Justice Act. The coalition, which has close to 560 members, is dedicated to eliminating elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in our country. Over the years, coalition members have worked hard to educate Congress about the Elder Justice Act.

I also must acknowledge the work of former Senator John Breaux on this important legislation. Senator Breaux was the original sponsor of the Elder Justice Act.

In fact, Senator Breaux and I first introduced this legislation in the 107th Congress.

Even though Senator Breaux is no longer in the Senate, he has still fought for passage of this legislation and currently serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Elder Justice Coalition.

As far as the Elder Justice Act is concerned, one of the most significant provisions of this bill is the creation of an Elder Justice Coordinating Council and an Advisory Board on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Coordinating Council, which would be chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, would be made up of Federal agency representatives who would be responsible for overseeing programs related to elder abuse.

Advisory Board members would include citizens who have extensively studied issues surrounding elder abuse.

Together, the Council and Advisory Board would be responsible for coordinating public and private activities and programs related to elder abuse.

Today, that goal is unattainable because quite simply, the approach to addressing elder abuse is disjointed among Federal agencies.

Therefore, the major goal of the Elder Justice Act would be to encourage a comprehensive and coordinated response by these Federal agencies to elder abuse.

I also want to take a minute to address a concern that has been raised by some who believe that the Elder Justice Act is duplicative because federal programs already exist to address elder abuse.

I respectfully disagree with that assessment. In fact, last Congress, we spent a lot of time with agency officials to address some of the concerns raised about the bill. It is my hope that we will continue those discussions this year.

That being said, I truly believe that our government needs to do more when it comes to elder abuse. As more and more baby boomers retire over the next 3 decades, we can no longer ignore the reality that elder abuse is prevalent within our society and we must do something to address it. Enacting the Elder Justice Act is the first step.

Senior citizens cannot wait any longer for this legislation to pass. Getting this bill signed into law continues to be one of my top priorities. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Elder Justice Act and support the passage of this legislation.

Our seniors deserve no less.

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