With the New Year brings new challenges and new opportunities. I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to ensure the priorities of seniors are enacted into law. Just before adjourning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills I authored to improve the lives of seniors.

Halloween on Wall Street started much too early this year, and it was all trick and no treat. It has been really scary. Scary, like when we review reports on retirement accounts and other mutual fund holdings, and scary to even turn on the news to hear the newest, breathless threat to our economy here and globally. We have, as you know, been in much, much better shape than many other parts of the country.

Recently, with my strong support, Congress enacted the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (Medicare Improvement Act). This bill, which passed over the veto of President Bush, strengthens Medicare and ensures that seniors and persons with disabilities can keep access to the health care they have been promised.

For the five million Americans suffering from dementia, going missing for even a short time can have grave consequences. That is why I have introduced the National Silver Alert Act to create a national program modeled on the Amber Alert to help locate missing seniors. Silver Alert will offer peace of mind to those in their golden years and to those who love them.

In 2005, Congress reallocated the public airwaves to make it easier for firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders to communicate during an emergency. This reallocation of television signals also opened up additional airwaves for television broadcasters to purchase for broadcasting on digital signals, as opposed to the older, less clear, analog signals.  Proceeds from the sale of these airwaves are being used to reduce the deficit.  While the financial and public benefits are shared by all, it requires many viewers to make certain adjustments in their viewing habits. At 11:59 p.m. on February 17, 2009, all television broadcasting will switch from an analog to a digital signal. All analog broadcasts will cease and unprepared viewers will no longer receive a picture.

As a member of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means and Subcommittee on Social Security, I am committed to ensuring America’s seniors are economically secure. The National Women’s Law Center recently testified that despite Social Security, millions of older American seniors, especially women, are economically vulnerable.  

By U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett

Many of us make New Years resolutions to go to the gym, or eat fewer sweets.  But this year, consider making fiscal fitness your New Years resolution.  Seniors often face a difficult transition when they retire and move to a fixed income.  To help make that transition more successful, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has published the “Fiscal Fitness for Older Americans” guide that can help all seniors better manage their finances in their retirement.

Recent alerts about unsafe food in both domestic and imported products have raised the profile of food safety issues in the United States.  Staying informed about food safety can help protect you and your family against foodborne illnesses.

Americans are living longer. According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), life expectancy for Americans is at an all-time high

Recent news articles have discussed payday lenders who target Social Security beneficiaries for loans secured by benefit payment checks. The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, on which I serve, investigated several such cases at a recent Congressional hearing.

As the economy has slowed and gas prices have sharply risen, Congress passed an economic stimulus package to put some extra cash in people’s pockets. The Treasury began distributing one-time rebate checks this month, and by July, over 130 million Americans will have received more than $110 billion.

Social Security is a promise that one generation makes to another. But two provisions in Social Security – the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision – place an unfair penalty on the benefits of some retired teachers, law enforcement officers and other public servants.

A recent Wall Street Journal article noted that between 2000 and 2002, insurance scams affected more than 200,000 policyholders and left businesses and workers responsible for $252 million in medical bills. States shut down 41 illegal operations selling coverage through phony and real associations.

Small fees make a big difference in Retirement Savings.  Seniors deserve more options and better information.

The House Ways and Means Commitee, on which I serve, recently held a hearing on the impact that administrative and investment fees have on workers' ability to adequately save for retirement. 

The Texas Department of Insurance estimates that nursing home care can cost from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. With the high cost of long-term care, it is not uncommon for individuals to deplete their savings and assets to the point that they qualify for Medicaid. 

by U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett      

If you’re like most Texans, throughout your week you may charge airline tickets, write a check at the store, send tax information through the mail, change cable service providers or apply for a credit card. While these simple transactions seem benign, to those looking to steal an identity, these are golden opportunities.