U.S. Sen. Kohl named leading Democrat on Senate Special Committee on Aging, Senator Clinton also appointed

Committee has oversight over prescription drugs, social security, Medicare, long-term care

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Herb Kohl today was named by his Senate Democratic colleagues to serve as the Ranking Member on the Senate Special Committee on Aging in the 109th Congress when it convenes in January. 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.  

In another move, Senator Hillary Clinton was named by the Democrats to serve on the committee.

"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," Kohl said.

As a member of the Aging Committee in past sessions of Congress, Kohl has been a leader on efforts to protect elderly Americans. For instance, Kohl 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. He has also secured annual funding increases for nursing home inspections. Kohl has also worked to lower the cost of prescription drugs. In the 108th Congress, he cosponsored the "Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act," which would allow Americans to take advantage of lower drug prices found in other countries.  

Additionally, Kohl has been 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. 

Senator Clinton issued a statement about her selection: 

"I am extremely honored to have been selected to serve on the Senate Special Committee on Aging. I have great respect for the Chairman and incoming Ranking Member and it will be an honor to serve with them," said Clinton. 

"As the baby boomers begin to reach retirement, the work of this committee becomes increasingly important. We must ensure that bedrock programs like Medicare and Social Security remain solvent and strong, as well as promoting federal policies that promote positive aging, assist family caregivers, and help seniors remain in their homes and active members of their communities for as long as they are able.  

“New York ranks third in the nation for the number of people over 65 and I look forward to this new committee assignment providing another opportunity to ensure that their concerns and needs are addressed."