House Democrats Relaunch Seniors Task Force

Press Release

Today, the House Democratic Caucus re-launched its Seniors Task Force, an initiative to raise awareness on issues that matter most to America's seniors and work to protect and strengthen vital services that our aging population has earned through a lifetime of hard work. The Seniors Task Force, co-chaired by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), announced it will host its first meeting of the 113th Congress this week. Watch the video below:

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus: "There has never been a more urgent time than now to renew our commitment to preserving the well-being and dignity of America's seniors. Too many in Congress have repeatedly voted to end Medicare and dramatically raise healthcare costs for the elderly by dismantling the Affordable Care Act. House Democrats will stand by America's seniors and fight to protect the benefits they've earned from Medicare and Social Security. The Seniors Task Force will provide Members of the House Democratic Caucus the tools they need to ensure that after a lifetime of hard work, this country will keep its promise to our seniors today and for generations to come."

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force: "The Seniors Task Force was created to listen and respond to the concerns of our nation's senior citizens. With our population aging, lawmakers must face the challenge of helping assure that our seniors have financial security, affordable health care, and quality long-term care services. Half of America's seniors live on less than $22,000 a year, and they depend on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Older American Act to get the benefits they need and have earned. The Seniors Task Force is there to protect those benefits, to provide the facts about the issues being debated in Congress and to make sure that seniors' voices are heard."

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force: "Our nation is at a crossroads on a number of critical issues that will impact millions of older Americans. It is imperative that as Congress carefully considers a wide range of issues, such as the cost of health care, entitlement reform and consumer protections, members fully understand the implications on seniors. Those who have worked hard and played by the rules deserve the dignified and secure retirement that was promised to them. My colleagues and I are committed to improving the health and well-being of seniors, by protecting and strengthening Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. The Democratic Congressional Task Force on Seniors is an opportunity to ensure members have the tools they need to successfully advocate on behalf of our country's seniors."

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