Related Link: Senate Special Committee on Aging Related News: KOHL: 'STRENGTHEN SOCIAL SECURITY -- DON'T BREAK IT'- February 3, 2005 WISCONSIN AWARDED $2.3 MILLION TO PARTICIPATE IN CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK PROGRAM FOR LONG-TERM CARE WORKERS, KOHL ANNOUNCES - January 28, 2005 KOHL CALLS FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG SYSTEM REFORM AT SENATE AGING COMMITTEE HEARING - January 26, 2005

As the leading Democrat on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am working to increase public awareness on matters concerning older Americans. The Committee has oversight over a wide range of issues affecting seniors, including the cost of prescription drugs, long-term care, Social Security solvency, and Medicare. Already, Chairman Gordon Smith (R-OR) and I have held hearings on prescription drug reimportation and Social Security reform.

As a member of the Aging Committee in past sessions of Congress, I have worked hard to represent elderly Americans in the Senate. For instance, I introduced legislation - the Patient Abuse Protection Act - that requires criminal background checks for nursing home and other long-term care employees, including home health. A pilot program based on his legislation became law in 2003 as part of the Medicare Modernization Act. I have also secured annual funding increases for nursing home inspections.

I have also made it a priority to lower the cost of prescription drugs. I am a cosponsor of the “Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act,” which would allow Americans to take advantage of lower drug prices found in other countries. Additionally, I am a strong supporter of the Older Americans Act, reauthorized in 2000, which provides funding for senior centers, congregate and home-delivered meals, elder abuse protection and support for family caregivers.

In the coming years, the Aging Committee will consider and debate a number of important issues facing seniors and aging baby boomers. I am excited about this opportunity, and look forward to working with the Chairman and my colleagues on this committee, as well as advocates in Wisconsin and across the nation, to fight for seniors.