Jack Kingston: “What is it like to be retired in the 1990s on a fixed income with rising health care costs, high prescription drugs, and…”

“What is it like to be retired in the 1990s on a fixed income with rising health care costs, high prescription drugs, and expensive, long-term residential treatment? It does not have to be this way, though. That is why this Congress, this Republican Congress, has worked to take social security money off-budget so that the social security trust fund will be secure and the money will not be taken out of that lockbox and used for roads and bridges or congressional salaries. We believe that is an important commitment to America's seniors. That is why this Congress has passed the only prescription drug program, to make prescription drugs available and affordable to our seniors. I might add that the other body across the hall has yet to act on this important piece of legislation. Neither has the White House. But we think it is important. That is why this Congress has worked hard for cops on the streets and local law enforcement grants, to make sure that American seniors at home in their retirement will be safe and secure, so they can sit on their porch or walk down the street and not be worried about being a victim of crimes. Mr. Speaker, it is our moms and dads we are talking about. They looked after us all these years. Let us not forget them.”