24834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE October 26, 2000 mediation now clearly can aim to re- Michael Washington, 16, Baltimore, nursing homes with a record of mis- solve disputes such as wetland deter- MD; and treating their residents. The Justice minations, grazing issues, and USDA Deric West, 18, Oakland, CA. Department has said that the Seniors farm program matters, in addition to One of the victims of gun violence I Safety Act would ‘‘be of assistance in a the traditional credit role of medi- mentioned, 31-year-old Brenda Ray of number of ways.’’ I have urged the ation. CAMP represents the individuals Atlanta, was shot and killed one year Chairman of the Senate Judiciary and entities across the nation who ad- ago today while walking home from Committee to hold hearings on the minister the state agricultural medi- her sister’s house with her two chil- Seniors Safety Act as long ago as Octo- ation programs, and I thank that orga- dren. A stranger approached Brenda, ber 1999, and again this past February, nization for their leadership on this robbed her, then shot her in the chest but my requests have not been granted. issue. while her six-year-old son and five- Now, as the session is coming to a I want to specifically offer my year-old daughter stood by watching. close, we are out of time for hearings thanks and gratitude to Linda Hodgin, We cannot sit back and allow such on this important and comprehensive Director of Mediation and Ag Coun- senseless gun violence to continue. The proposal and significant parts of the seling, with the South Dakota Depart- deaths of these people are a reminder Seniors Safety Act remain pending in ment of Agriculture. Linda’s knowl- to all of us that we need to enact sen- the Senate Judiciary Committee as edge, input, and ability to work with sible gun legislation now. part of the unfinished business of this CAMP enabled Congress to enact the f Congress. mediation reauthorization this year. Let me briefly summarize the parts PASSAGE OF S. 3164 Under her direction in the last two of the Seniors Safety Act that the ma- years, around 500 family farmers and Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am jority in the Congress declined to con- ranchers in South Dakota have bene- pleased that the ‘‘Protecting Seniors sider. First, the Seniors Safety Act fitted from the services of mediation from Fraud Act’’ passed the Senate. I provides additional protections to and counseling. The mediators and was an original cosponsor of this bill, nursing home residents. Nursing homes counselors who work with Linda in S. 3164, which Senator BAYH introduced provide an important service for our South Dakota are to be commended for on October 5, 2000, with Senators seniors—indeed, more than 40 percent their time and commitment to family GRAMS and CLELAND. I have been con- of Americans turning 65 this year will farm agriculture. cerned for some time that even as the need nursing home care at some point We live in a day and age where nearly general crime rate has been declining in their lives. Many nursing homes do every farmer and rancher must secure steadily over the past eight years, the a wonderful job with a very difficult financing from some source in order to rate of crime against the elderly has task—this legislation simply looks to take care of production costs associ- remained unchanged. That is why I in- protect seniors and their families by ated with agricultural production. This troduced the Seniors Safety Act, S. 751, isolating the bad providers in oper- mediation program allows agricultural with Senators DASCHLE, KENNEDY, and ation. It does this by giving federal law producers to settle their credit and TORRICELLI over a year ago. enforcement the authority to inves- farm program disputes in a fair way The Protecting Seniors from Fraud tigate and prosecute operators of those without digging themselves into legal Act includes one of the titles from the nursing homes that engage in a pattern debt. I wish to thank my colleagues Seniors Safety Act. This title does two of health and safety violations. This who supported this important initia- things. First, it instructs the Attorney authority is all the more important tive. General to conduct a study relating to given the study prepared by the De- crimes against seniors, so that we can f partment of Health and Human Serv- develop a coherent strategy to prevent ices and reported this summer in the VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE and properly punish such crimes. Sec- New York Times showing that 54 per- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, it has ond, it mandates the inclusion of sen- cent of American nursing homes fail to been more than a year since the Col- iors in the National Crime Victimiza- meet the Department’s ‘‘proposed min- umbine tragedy, but still this Repub- tion Study. Both of these are impor- imum standard’’ for patient care. The lican Congress refuses to act on sen- tant steps, and they should be made study also showed that 92 percent of sible gun legislation. law. nursing homes have less staff than nec- Since Columbine, thousands of Amer- The Protecting Seniors from Fraud essary to provide optimal care. icans have been killed by gunfire. Until Act also includes important proposals Second, the Seniors Safety Act helps we act, Democrats in the Senate will for addressing the problem of crimes protect seniors from telemarketing read the names of some of those who against the elderly, especially fraud fraud, which costs billions of dollars have lost their lives to gun violence in crimes. In addition to the provisions every year. This legislation would give the past year, and we will continue to described above, this bill authorizes the Attorney General the authority to do so every day that the Senate is in the Secretary of Health and Human block or terminate telephone service session. Services to make grants to establish where that service is being used to de- In the name of those who died, we local programs to prevent fraud fraud seniors. If someone takes your will continue this fight. Following are against seniors and educate them money at gunpoint, the law says we the names of some of the people who about the risk of fraud, as well as to can take away their gun. If someone were killed by gunfire one year ago provide information about tele- uses their phone to take away your today. marketing and sweepstakes fraud to money, the law should allow us to pro- October 26, 1999: seniors, both directly and through tect other victims by taking their Manuel Guilarte, 78, Miami-Dade State Attorneys General. These are phone away. In addition, this proposal County, FL; two common-sense provisions that will would establish a Better Business Bu- Damien McFarland, 25, Gary, IN; help seniors protect themselves against reau-style clearinghouse that would Willie B. Nelson, 47, Atlanta, GA; crime. keep track of complaints made about Sarah Petty, 49, Atlanta, GA; I hope that we can also take the time telemarketing companies. With a sim- Brett Pleasants, 39, Denver, CO; to consider the rest of the Seniors ple phone call, seniors could find out Brenda Ray, 31, Atlanta, GA; Safety Act, and enact even more com- whether the company trying to sell to Tony B. Richards, 32, Memphis, TN; prehensive protections for our seniors. them over the phone or over the Inter- Fernando Rodriquez, 25, Detroit, MI; The Seniors Safety Act offers a com- net has been the subject of complaints Comer Sistrunk, Jr., 61, Cincinnati, prehensive approach that would in- or been convicted of fraud. Senator OH; crease law enforcement’s ability to BAYH has recently introduced another Ronald Turchi, 61, Philadelphia, PA; battle telemarketing, pension, and bill, S. 3025, the Combating Fraud Tony Unk, Houston, TX; health care fraud, as well as to police Against Seniors Act, which includes

VerDate Aug 04 2004 09:45 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\S26OC0.003 S26OC0 October 26, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE 24835 the part of the Seniors Safety Act that tion of the Anniston Army Depot em- Venus Williams, Gold Medal, Tennis— establishes the clearinghouse for tele- ployees to their nation’s soldiers. Women’s Singles; Gold Medal, Tennis—Wom- marketing fraud information. Tanks, small arms, and munitions did en’s Doubles. not leave the hills of Alabama alone Serena Williams, Gold Medal, Tennis— Third, the Seniors Safety Act pun- Women’s Doubles. ishes pension fraud. Seniors who have but were accompanied by the thoughts Guenter Seidel, Bronze Medal, Equestrian worked hard for years should not have and prayers of a humble and caring Team Dressage Grand Prix. to worry that their hard-earned retire- group of federal employees shaped in Christine Traurig, Bronze Medal, Eques- ment savings will not be there when many ways, by these special nine men. trian Team Dressage Grand Prix. they need them. The bill would create Today, while we seek to honor these Eric Fonoimoana, Gold Medal, Men’s new criminal and civil penalties for fine men in the sunset of their lives it Beach Volleyball. must be noted that the traditions of Dain Blanton, Gold Medal, Men’s Beach those who defraud pension plans, and Volleyball. increase the penalties for bribery and excellence and integrity they gave to Sean Burroughs, Gold Medal, Men’s Base- graft in connection with employee ben- their co-workers still survives in ball. efit plans. youthful exuberance, rekindled by this Marion Jones, Gold Medal, Track and Finally, the Seniors Safety Act remembrance. Field—Women’s 100 Meters; Gold Medal, strengthens law enforcement’s ability In homage to: Billy Bean; Elmer Track and Field—Women’s 200 Meters; Gold Medal, Track and Field—Women’s 4x400 to fight health care fraud. A recent Graham; Raymond Guthrie; Atwell Burgess; William Hammond; Raymond Meter Relay; Bronze Medal, Track and study by the National Institute for Field—Women’s 4x100 Meter Relay; Bronze Justice reports that many health care Lusk; George Hunt; J.B. Perry; and William Hagan.∑ Medal, Track and Field—Women’s Long fraud schemes ‘‘deliberately target vul- Jump. nerable populations, such as the elder- f Chryste Gaines, Bronze Medal, Track and ly or Alzheimer’s patients, who are less RECOGNIZING CALIFORNIA’S Field—Women’s 4x100 Meter Relay. willing or able to complain or alert law Torri Edwards, Bronze Medal, Track and OLYMPIANS Field—Women’s 4x100 Meter Relay. enforcement.’’ This legislation gives ∑ Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I Mari Holden, Silver Medal, Cycling—Wom- law enforcement the additional inves- rise today to recognize California’s par- en’s Individual Time Trial. tigatory tools it needs to uncover, in- ticipants in the Games of the XXVIIth Lisa Leslie, Gold Medal, Women’s Basket- vestigate, and prosecute health care of- ball. Olympiad for their outstanding efforts Gary Payton, Gold Medal, Men’s Basket- fenses in both criminal and civil pro- and accomplishments. I am so proud of ceedings. It also protects whistle-blow- ball. their performances and the dignity Alonzo Mourning, Gold Medal, Men’s Bas- ers who alert law enforcement officers with which they carried themselves. ketball. to examples of health care fraud. This year, the United States had an- Jason Kidd, Gold Medal, Men’s Basketball. I commend Senators BAYH, GRAMS other spectacular Games, and I am par- Mark Reynolds, Silver Medal, Sailing— and CLELAND for working to take steps ticularly pleased that Californians had Men’s Open Sail Star Fleet Races. to improve the safety and security of much to do with our success. Some of Lorrie Fair, Silver Medal, Women’s Soccer. America’s seniors. We have done the , Bronze Medal, Swim- this year’s most memorable moments ming—Women’s 800 Meter Freestyle. right thing in passing this bipartisan involved athletes from California: Mar- Bernice Orwig, Silver Medal, Women’s legislation and beginning the fight to ion Jones was the first woman ever to Water Polo. lower the crime rate against seniors. I medal in five track and field events, Joy Fawcett, Silver Medal, Women’s Soc- also urge my colleagues to consider Sean Burroughs helped our baseball cer. and pass the Seniors Safety Act. Taken team snatch gold from a heavily fa- Mark Crear, Bronze Medal, Track and together, these two bills would provide Field, men’s 110 Meter Hurdles. vored Cuban Team, Eric Fonoimoana , Silver Medal, — a comprehensive approach toward giv- and Dain Blanton won gold in the Men’s 4x100 Meter Free Relay. ing law enforcement and older Ameri- beach volleyball tournament, Venus , Gold Medal, Swimming— cans the tools they need to prevent Williams was the second woman ever to Women’s 4x100 Medley; Gold Medal, Swim- crime. win gold medals in both singles and ming—Women’s 4x200 Meter Free Relay; f doubles tennis, and Lisa Leslie led the Gold Medal, Swimming—Women’s 4x100 women’s basketball team to its 34th Meter Free Relay; Bronze Medal, Swim- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ming—Women’s 100 Meter Freestyle. Olympic championship. Lenny Krazelburg, Gold Medal, Swim- The Olympics have long been the ming—Men’s 100 Meter Backstroke; Gold TRIBUTE TO LOCAL 1945, AFGE world’s premiere stage where athletes Medal, Swimming—Men’s 200 Meter Back- compete; their performances are inspir- stroke; Gold Medal, Swimming—Men’s 4x100 ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President I rise ing and, sometimes, heart-breaking. Meter Medley. to day to pay tribute to the Local 1945 And while the world enjoys two weeks , Gold Medal, Swimming— Chapter of the American Federation of of drama and intense competition, we Men’s 50 Meter Freestyle; Silver Medal, Government Employees. Swimming—Men’s 4x100 Meter Free Relay. must remember that these athletes On December 1, 1959 the charter of Anthony Ervin, Silver Medal, Swimming— have chased their Olympic dreams for the American Federation of Govern- Men’s 4x100 Meter Free Relay. years, even decades, with perseverance ment Employees (Local 1945) was estab- John Godina, Bronze Medal, Track and and courage. I thank each athlete— Field, Men’s Shot Put. lished at Anniston Army Depot. Of the qualifier and medal winner alike—for Pease Glaser, Silver Medal, Sailing, Wom- seventy-eight charter members that es- giving us the privilege of witnessing en’s 470 Fleet Races. tablished Local 1945, only nine survive Tom Wilkens, Bronze Medal, Swimming— their triumphs. Each performance was today. 200 Meter Individual Medley. a very personal moment in these ath- These nine leaders in government , Gold Medal, Swimming— letes’ lives, and I am inspired by their service, through their courage and Women’s 4x100 Medley; Gold Medal, Swim- courage and resolve to pursue their ming—Women’s 4x100 Meter Free Relay; dedication, were instrumental in the Olympic dreams. These athletes com- Bronze Medal, Swimming—Women’s 100 development of a proud and profes- peted with all their heart and they Meter Butterfly; Bronze Medal, Swimming— sional workforce for Anniston Army make California proud. Women’s 100 Meter Freestyle; Bronze Medal, Depot and the Department of Defense. Mr. President, I ask that the fol- Swimming—Women’s 50 Meter Freestyle. The workforce these individuals cared Sheila Douty, Gold Medal, Softball. lowing names of the medal winning Kathy Sheehy, Silver Medal, Women’s for and inspired has supported United athletes from California be printed in States soldiers around the world during Water Polo. the RECORD. Calvin Harrison, Gold Medal, Track and times of conflict, crisis and war. In the , Silver medal, Swimming— Field—4x400 Meter Relay. jungles of Vietnam, along the thirty- Men’s 200 Meter Backstroke. Alvin Harrison, Gold Medal, Track and eighth parallel, and in the sands of Ku- , Bronze Medal, Swimming— Field—4x400 Meter Relay; Silver Medal, wait have been evidenced the dedica- Women’s 200 Meter . Track and Field—400 Meters.

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