Orrin Hatch: “since May is a month to honor and recognize older Americans, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my strong…”

“since May is a month to honor and recognize older Americans, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my strong commitment to having the Elder Justice Act, S. 1070, approved by Congress and signed into law before the conclusion of the 110th Congress. Emily Dickinson once said, old age comes on suddenly, and not gradually as is thought. As someone who just celebrated a birthday a few months ago, this statement has never seemed more accurate! Approximately 44 million people in this country are age 60 and above which tells me that caring for older Americans must be a high priority of future Congresses. In fact, U.S. citizens 60 years of age and above will increase dramatically over the next 30 years more than 76 million baby boomers will be approaching retirement and old age over the next three decades. Let me say that one more time--more than 76 million baby boomers will be approaching retirement and old age over the next three decades. Earlier this Congress, Senators Lincoln, Smith, Kohl and I introduced the Elder Justice Act.”