Congressman Jack Kingston - First District of Georgia

Music legend Pat Boone sang Congressman Jack Kingston’s (R-GA) praises for his support of seniors and his defense of Social Security and Medicare.  Boone, who still performs at concerts, was a recording, movie and TV star second to none in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and had 38 top 10 hits during his career.  Pictured here are, from left, 60-Plus Association President James L. Martin, Congressman Kingston and Boone.

In a statement released by 60 Plus, Boone remarked, “I’m still singing at concerts, but today I’m singing the praises of Congressman Jack Kingston.  Seniors can depend on Jack.”

Boone, 77, is a spokesman for the 60 Plus Association, is familiar to audiences of film and television.  He has had 38 top-ten hits since his recording career began in the 1950s, and, according to Billboard Magazine, holds the record for the most consecutive weeks on the charts by any performer.

The Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award is given to both Democrats and Republicans by the non-partisan 60 Plus Association based on their “senior friendly” voting record, specifically votes to preserve Social Security and Medicare.

“Congressman Kingston can be counted on to preserve Social Security and Medicare,” said 60 Plus Chairman Jim Martin who founded the organization in 1992.  “Kingston is a tax cutter, protecting the pocket books of senior citizens and is fighting wasteful spending of our tax dollars which has our government borrowing over 40 cents of every dollar it spends.  Seniors have to live within their means and so should government.”

In receiving the award, Kingston thanked Boone and Martin for their work to advocate the interests of seniors.

“Several years ago, I hosted Mr. Boone on Capitol Hill and can tell you he is the antithesis of today’s Hollywood,” said Kingston.  “He is a great man of faith who does not mind standing up for what he believes in.  When groups like AARP now look more to boost their profit than defend the interests of seniors, it is important to have groups like 60 Plus and men like Pat Boone and Jim Martin working on their behalf.  I appreciate their recognition of my work to preserve Social Security and Medicare so they are available not only for today’s seniors but for generations to come.”

Kingston pointed to the most recent report by the Trustees for Medicare and Social Security highlight the continued deterioration in the program.  According to the report, the Social Security trust fund which provides benefits to 56 million Americans could be depleted as soon as 2033.  Medicare, which now includes 48.7 million beneficiaries, is on track to be exhausted by 2024.

“While some opt for scare tactics, I think we need to have an honest discussion with all Americans,” Kingston said.  “What this report makes clear is that the status quo simply won’t work.  Ignoring this problem threatens the benefits so many depend on and effectively kills these important programs.  That’s not something I am willing to let happen to today’s seniors and is not a future I want to leave for generations to come.”