news

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) was named Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force by Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui (CA-06) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). As Vice Chair, Dingell will join the Co-Chairs in a mission of improving and protecting the financial security, quality of life, and health and well-being of America’s seniors.

In addition to Dingell, Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), and Charlie Crist (FL-13) will serve as Vice Chairs for the 115th Congress.

“It is an honor to join Reps. Schakowsky and Matsui and my colleagues as a Vice Chair of the Seniors Task Force” said Rep. Dingell. “Ensuring our seniors can maintain a high quality of life for the longest time possible and live with dignity, security and independence should be among the top priorities of the Congress. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure these goals remain at the forefront of public discourse, and will fight every day to protect the promise of Medicare, Social Security and affordable quality health care our seniors deserve.”

“We are pleased to announce five outstanding new Vice Chairs who are committed to bringing the energy and resolve we need to defend against Republican attacks on seniors’ financial security and quality of life,” said Co-Chairs Matsui and Schakowsky. “Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are lifelines for older Americans and their families. The Seniors Task Force stands ready to fight against attempts to take away these essential programs. Together, we will work to protect the ability of seniors to live with dignity in their communities.”

The mission of the Congressional Task Force on Seniors is to promote and raise the public’s awareness of policies in Congress that would impact the health and well-being of America’s seniors. The Task Force accomplishes this mission by focusing on principles that are critically important to aging Americans:

•    Financial Security
•    Affordable, Reliable Health Care
•    Quality of Life as People Age
•    Access to long-term care services that allow seniors to age with dignity

One of Dingell’s top priorities is bringing the country’s long-term care system into the 21st century. The first bill she introduced, the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act, addresses one piece of the puzzle by allowing Medicare to cover hearing aids for beneficiaries.