It shall be the duty of the Special Committee on Aging to conduct a continuing study of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people, including, but not limited to, problems and opportunities of maintaining health, of assuring adequate income, of finding employment, of engaging in productive and rewarding activity, of securing proper housing, and, when necessary, of obtaining care or assistance.

Source: The Congressional Standing Committee System, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. Report 92-707 GOV. September 14, 1992.

The Senate Special Committee on Aging was first established in 1961 as a temporary committee. It was granted permanent status on February 1, 1977. While special committees have no legislative authority, they can study issues, conduct oversight of programs, and investigate reports of fraud and waste.

Throughout its existence, the Special Committee on Aging has served as a focal point in the Senate for discussion and debate on matters relating to older Americans. Often, the Committee will submit its findings and recommendations for legislation to the Senate. In addition, the Committee publishes materials of assistance to those interested in public policies which relate to the elderly.

The Committee has a long and influential history. It has called the Congress' and the nation's attention to many problems affecting older Americans. The Committee was exploring health insurance coverage of older Americans prior to the enactment of Medicare. After Medicare was enacted, the Committee reviewed its performance on an almost annual basis. The Committee has regularly reviewed pension coverage and employment opportunities for older Americans. It has conducted oversight of the administration of major programs like Social Security and Medicare. Finally, it has crusaded against frauds targeting the elderly and Federal programs on which the elderly depend.

Chairmen of the Special Committee on Aging have established an impressive tradition. Senator Frank Moss brought to light unacceptable conditions in nursing homes. Senator John Heinz reviewed Medicare's Prospective Payment System to see whether it was true the system was forcing Medicare beneficiaries to be discharged "quicker and sicker." When the statute of limitations for age discrimination in employment claims had lapsed, Senator Melcher restored the rights to 1200 individuals. Senator Pryor investigated the pricing practices for prescription drugs and changed pricing behavior of pharmaceutical companies. Senator Cohen, in the last Congress, led the way to enactment of strong health care anti-fraud legislation. Over the years, the Committee has been in the thick of the debate on issues of central concern to older Americans.