Chuck Hagel: “I add my thanks to the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee and the ranking member, Mr. Moynihan. And I tag…”

“I add my thanks to the distinguished chairman of the Finance Committee and the ranking member, Mr. Moynihan. And I tag on to what my friend and colleague, Senator Robb, said regarding the loss to this body and to America as we find Senators Moynihan and Kerrey serving their last year in the Senate. In a narrow, parochial sense, Mr. Kerrey's impending retirement makes me the new senior Senator from Nebraska. However, I would have gladly put that aside for the interest of our senior Senator from Nebraska staying on, as well as Mr. Moynihan, who adds the kind of enlightenment, enhancement, and leadership to an issue that is so critical to this country and to our future. With that, I, too, rise in support of H.R. 5, the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000. I am also a cosponsor of the Senate companion bill, S. 2074, the Social Security Earnings Test Elimination Act. I think it is appropriate this afternoon to acknowledge our friend and colleague, Senator McCain, who has recently rejoined the Senate after his odyssey throughout America over the last few months. Senator McCain was an early sponsor of repealing the Social Security earnings test and fought hard and provided essential leadership early on. I acknowledge Mr. McCain's early leadership on this issue.”