WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) has been honored with the "Guardian of Seniors’ Rights" award by the 60 Plus Association, a non-partisan advocacy group representing 5 million senior citizens. The award was based on Walden’s votes on behalf of senior citizens and seniors’ issues during the 2003 legislative session of Congress. Among the votes rated by the 60 Plus Association was the vote to provide a prescription drug benefit for seniors, the vote to abolish the 87-year-old "death tax," the repeal of the 1993 tax on Social Security benefits and the repeal of the 60-year earnings limit imposed on working seniors between 65-69.

"I’m honored to be recognized for the votes I’ve cast on behalf of Oregon’s senior citizens," said Walden. "I was proud to work hard in the Energy and Commerce Committee to develop a prescription drug benefit for all seniors, as well as to protect Social Security benefits from additional taxation, among other important votes. It’s critical that we pass legislation that reflects the importance of senior citizens and the contributions they’ve made to our country."

Jim Martin, President of the 60 Plus Association, said that Walden, "can be depended on to protect Social Security and Medicare; he cares deeply about senior issues." Martin went on to say that, "Seniors have no finer friend" than Congressman Greg Walden.

Martin continued, "I believe it unequivocally when I say that senior citizens can count on Greg Walden. And on a personal note as a senior citizen myself, and on behalf of my two favorite seniors, my mother who now lives in Florida and my step-father who was 104 years old last month, I would not be touting the leadership of Greg Walden unless he was heart and soul in the corner of seniors."

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources.

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