Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today to urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition I am filing at the Speaker's table--Discharge Petition No. 18. The petition would allow Congress to consider H.R. 300, the Older Americans Freedom to Work Act. Although a majority of my colleagues support this bill, it has become clear that the Ways and Means Committee will not consider this important legislation before the end of this session of Congress. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 300 seeks to eliminate or modify the unfair Social Security earnings test, a penalty which reduces the Social Security benefits of millions of senior citizens simply because they want or need to continue working. Americans, age 65 to 69, who earn over $11,160 this year, will see their benefits reduced. And let me be clear, this penalty only impacts seniors who need to work--not those who have income from rents, dividends, or pensions. Our senior citizens worked years to earn these benefits. It's high time we recognize their years of hard work and rescind this penalty by supporting--and signing--this Discharge Petition No. 18.”