Nelson begins third term in U.S. Senate

January 3, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson begins a third term today and is expected to play a key role in major decisions affecting senior citizens in the next six-year term.   

The Florida Democrat will become chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.  Fighting abuse, including financial scams, will be among his priorities as head of the panel.

During his re-election campaign, Nelson discussed the need for more bipartisanship and civility in politics.  Today, he reaffirmed his commitment to working with Republicans, Democrats and Independents on the panel to advance causes important to America’s growing number of senior citizens.

“I intend to lead the Aging Committee in conducting major investigations into crimes that target seniors,” Nelson said.  “Our goal is to develop laws that will help stop some of these crimes.”

Nelson will also serve on the Senate Budget, Finance, Commerce and Armed Services committees.   On the latter, he intends make sure the Navy follows through on its commitment to move a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to Jacksonville.  Right now, the Navy has all of its East Coast carriers at one base in Virginia which Nelson argues is a big national security risk.  He’s also proposed a major reform of the tax code, which would initiate in the Senate Finance Committee.

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