Vicente Gonzalez: “I thank my dear friend Mr. Hinojosa, my colleague from Texas, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank my colleagues…”

“I thank my dear friend Mr. Hinojosa, my colleague from Texas, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee, especially Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member George Miller, who was here earlier, for bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank my friend Congressman Walter Jones for supporting this legislation from the very beginning and serving as its Republican lead. His efforts, in addition to those of his staff, have been very important throughout this process. I would also like to recognize, as Congressman Jones acknowledged, the Senior Citizens League and the important role they have played in promoting and supporting this resolution. Their chairman, Ralph McCutchen, wanted, above all, to see a bill that honors and pays tribute to the many sacrifices made by America's seniors, including those who have served in the military. I certainly appreciate the support demonstrated by this very important organization. This resolution recognizes the importance of honoring senior citizens. This can be done in countless numbers of ways, from simple gestures of kindness towards a stranger to the actions made by this Congress that will impact seniors as a whole. We are the policymakers. We should not make policy that makes it more difficult for seniors to vote. We should not have policy that makes it more difficult for seniors to obtain medical care.…”