A resolution designating 2011 as "The Year of the Family Caregiver".

Mr. President, I rise today in support of this resolution recognizing 2011 as the 11-year anniversary of the National Family Caregiver Support Program and declaring 2011 The Year of the Family Caregiver. This year, caregivers across the country and the Administration on Aging are celebrating family caregivers and working to improve the support family caregivers receive.

Today's resolution recognizes the 65 million Americans who serve as family caregivers for their family members, friends, and other loved ones living with a disability, chronic illness, or other condition associated with old age. Family caregivers are the backbone of our Nation's long-term care system, accounting for 80 percent of all long- term services provided in the United States. They provide high-quality services that improve the lives of the people they care for and benefit our society.

I created the National Family Caregiver Support Program in 2000 to strengthen the Older Americans Act so it may meet the day-to-day needs of our older Americans and their caregivers. The program is a partnership between States and Area Agencies on Aging. The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides counseling, training, respite care, adult daycare, and other support services to 600,000 caregivers so that families can get the resources they need to care for their loved one. The program helps American families take care of older parents while raising children of their own and pursuing a career. It also helps grandparents who are taking care of grandchildren. The National Family Caregiver Support Program helps families provide care longer and delays the need for costly nursing home care.

Family caregiving continues to place a lot of stress on families in terms of time, energy, and finances, but American families are up to this challenge. I ask my colleagues today to join me in applauding the work of family caregivers and those who support them every day.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 235, submitted earlier today.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the Record.