Recognizing the Pension Rights Center

Floor Speech

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Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today is a doubly special day. February 17 is the 46th anniversary of the founding of the Pension Rights Center. February 17 is also the birthday of Karen Ferguson, the long-time director of the Pension Rights Center, who passed away recently.

The Pension Rights Center as helmed by Ms. Ferguson was known as a tireless advocate for the right of workers and senior citizens to enjoy a dignified and secure retirement. Their passion for retirement security is something that I have also shared since the 1970s, when I helped to found the Oregon Gray Panthers, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of senior citizens. The support of the Pension Rights Center and Ms. Ferguson was instrumental in the passage of recent legislation such as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 and the financial assistance program for distressed multiemployer pension plans in the American Rescue Plan Act.

On this double anniversary, I urge my colleagues to reflect on the progress that has been made so far in improving retirement security in the United States and to double down in our efforts to fight for further improvement.

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