Far too many Americans work hard for years, only to find that their retirement "nest egg" has been plundered through theft or fraud. Other senior citizens fall victim to telemarketing scams, in which con artists take advantage of their victims' often trusting natures. And, too often, seniors fall prey to health care fraud and nursing home abuse.
To protect older Americans from those who profit at their expense, I am cosponsoring a bill that would crack down on a host of crimes which disproportionately target senior citizens. This bill -- the Seniors Safety Act of 1999 -- would direct the Attorney General to study crimes against seniors and to report back to Congress with suggestions on ways to reduce and prevent such crimes. It also would provide criminal and/or civil penalties for defrauding a pension, retirement, or medical savings plan, or engaging in bribery or corruption in administering such plans.
The Act would set up a "Better Business"-style hotline to collect and provide information on complaints of telemarketing fraud, and would call for a computer database to be set up with information about companies that engage in telemarketing scams. These provisions would help senior citizens to make sure that the friendly voice on the other end of the telephone offering special deals or gifts is not just a smooth "con man" plying his craft. Upon notification by the Justice Department, telephone companies would have to discontinue or refuse service to perpetrators attempting to swindle seniors.
In addition, the bill would allow the Attorney General to bring actions in court against false claims or illegal kickback schemes involving federal health care programs. And it would penalize nursing homes that exhibit a pattern of health or safety violations which abuse the physical or mental health of residents.
I hope that the Congress will move forward with the legislation and create this important safety net to protect our older citizens from the unsavory criminal activity which so often afflicts them. The Seniors Safety Act would help older Americans to enjoy their golden years without fear. They deserve nothing less for their years of hard work.
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September 1, 1999