The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE CARE ACT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E56 on Jan. 7, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE CARE ACT
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HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 7, 1997
Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, in a cruel display of corporate greed, the Pabst Brewing Company last year announced its intention to renege on its promise to provide health and death benefits to its retirees. Following a court battle, Pabst appears to have succeeded: retirees and their families have lost benefits that were promised them in exchange for many years of loyal service to the company.
This outrage demonstrates a lack of corporate responsibility to dedicated former employees. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a disturbing nationwide trend. Over the past several years, thousands of workers and retirees across this country have faced similar cancellations and reductions of their health coverage. John Morel, Hormel, and General Motors are just a few of the corporations who have tried to leave their former workers stranded without health care--health care they were promised, and health care their long years of service earned. From meatpackers to clerical staff, this is a threat to the retirement security of all American workers.
We must act now. Last Congress, I introduced a bill which I am reintroducing today, the Health Care Assurance for Retired Employees Act--or the CARE Act--which would protect retiree health benefits and help retirees to obtain health insurance if their coverage is canceled.
The CARE Act would require employers to give 6 months notice to retirees and require the Labor Department to certify that the changes meet the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement.
It would also expand retirees' access to health care under COBRA for those aged 55 to 65 until they are eligible for Medicare.
Lastly, it would allow retirees who did not sign up for Medicare or Medigap to apply for the programs without late-enrollment penalties.
This type of atrocity must not be tolerated. We must ensure retiree security and prevent loyal former workers from being left out in the cold. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to show their support for retired workers and their families by cosponsoring this bill.
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