Herb Kohl: “I wish to discuss several provisions in the conference bill, H.R. 1, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission…”

“I wish to discuss several provisions in the conference bill, H.R. 1, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. As chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, I wish to thank Senators Lieberman, Collins, Dodd, and Shelby for working with me and my staff on provisions that will protect seniors in the event of an emergency or disaster. It has been nearly 2 years since our Nation reeled from the tragic and shameful images of seniors abandoned during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, we now know that 71 percent of the people who died were older than 60. Last year, the Special Committee on Aging held a hearing to examine how prepared the Nation is to care for our seniors in the event of a national emergency. What we learned was disheartening. We learned that our Nation is woefully unprepared to meet the unique needs of our seniors in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other emergency. Cookie-cutter emergency plans are of little use to seniors, especially those who depend on others for assistance in their daily lives. We need specific plans, programs, and information for all seniors facing emergencies. That is why I teamed up with Senator Coleman to continue to work with the committees of jurisdiction to ensure that the Departments of Homeland Security and Transportation place seniors on the forefront of their emergency planning agenda.”