H.R. 5987, The Seniors Protection Act

Floor Speech

* Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5987, the Seniors Protection Act.

* H.R. 5987 would provide a one-time payment of $250 to 54 million American seniors, retired and disabled veterans, and disabled individuals.

* Due to low inflation rates, there has not been a COLA, or cost of living adjustment, in an unprecedented two years. But that doesn't mean America's seniors aren't hurting. In the absence of a COLA this modest payment will help America's seniors weather these tough economic times.

* In today's economy seniors are confronted by loss of pension income and retirement savings, high prescription drug costs, and reduced access to affordable housing.

* While Republican politicians turn a blind eye to seniors and defend America's millionaires club, the leaders in the Democratic Party continue to work for the dignity of older Americans.

* The Seniors Protection Act is another effort in the time tested tradition of the Democratic Party defending the rights and interests of America's senior citizens.

* We are the party that established Medicare and Social Security, and last year instituted the Seniors Task Force to continue the work the Democrats have done on behalf of seniors.

* If not for Social Security assistance, more than 13 million low-income elderly Americans would fall into destitution.

* With so many seniors this close to the poverty line, you can be sure that this payment--while small--will have a significant impact on the economic security of millions.

* Aside from the import this will have on America's seniors, studies show that disbursements of this nature are a very effective economic stimulus.

* When Social Security beneficiaries received $250 payments as part of the 2009 Recovery Act, 125,000 jobs were created or saved.

* We have an opportunity here to make immediate, tangible improvements to both the lives of millions of seniors and the American economy. Please join me, and my colleagues on the Seniors Task Force in supporting H.R. 5987--The Seniors Protection Act.

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