Military Pay Continuation Act of 2013

Mr. President, today I rise in recognition of June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This Saturday will be the eighth commemoration since the day was first established in 2006. By observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we are joining organizations around the world to raise awareness and support existing efforts to combat the serious problem of elder abuse in all forms.

Every year, millions of older Americans are abused, neglected, or exploited, with an estimated 84 percent of these cases going unreported. This problem is particularly relevant for my constituents in the great State of Florida, which has the highest proportion of individuals over age 65 in the United States. As chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, I will shine a spotlight on this issue and work with my colleagues to eradicate and hold accountable those that would take advantage of our seniors.

I am proud of the State of Florida's leadership to raise awareness about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. For example, the Seminole County Triad--a collaborative of local law enforcement, public safety, and senior organizations in Seminole County, FL--will host its eighth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day symposium. The focus this year will be on Alzheimer's, an area the Aging Committee has and will continue to work on as this session of Congress continues.

The University of Miami Health System Center on Aging will host a webcast on financial exploitation and its impact on the health of older adults. This webcast, along with similar informational events being held throughout our country and the world, provide essential information for professionals who work with seniors.

Our 11 area agencies on aging are on the frontlines of helping older Floridians. They share a common information and referral system, making access to services faster and more efficient. By calling 1-800-96- ELDER, individuals receive advice and information on a range of issues, including health care, housing, nutrition, abuse prevention, and other social programs. One of these agencies, Elder Options, recently moved to a new location in Gainesville, allowing them to better provide vital services to seniors living in 16 different counties in the mid-Florida region.

Florida is also home to the Elder Rights Center of Excellence at the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast Area Agency on Aging. Led by director Mary Jones, the Elder Rights Center conducted 24 trainings for over 670 different professions, provided over 3,100 hours of service, and assisted over 4,400 senior crime victims last year in Palm Beach County. It also has a staffer dedicated to working solely on financial abuse.

I am proud of these events, and all those events that will be held this year that aim to protect our seniors from harm. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is not only a time to recognize and support these efforts but also to critically examine what further steps can be taken. As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I will continue to work on eradicating elder abuse as one of many issues that are critical to ensure the health health and economic security of older Americans.

In honor of the many advocates working tirelessly to combat elder abuse throughout the United States and the world, I am pleased to recognize June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I apologize to everyone for having to wait. We were trying to get some things cleared, and it didn't work.