Hank Johnson: “Mr. Speaker, the second elder justice bill we are considering today is the Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009. The House…”

“Mr. Speaker, the second elder justice bill we are considering today is the Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009. The House passed this bill on suspension last September by a vote of 387-28, but the Senate did not have time to consider it before adjournment. It is estimated that each year, as many as 5 million elders are abused, neglected, or exploited. And the incidence of elder abuse is likely to only get worse in coming years, as 76 million baby boomers reach retirement age. The legal protections against elder abuse vary significantly from State to State. The problem of elder abuse is especially problematic as many abuse cases remain secret and are never reported. The National Center on Elder Abuse has estimated that only one in six cases is reported. H.R. 448, the Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009, sponsored by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Sestak, will help provide training, technical assistance, and other support, to State and local law enforcement officials to help them catch and prosecute those who would prey on our elders.”